Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Josemaría: filial love

The Virgin of Guadalupe She is one of the greatest treasures of our Catholic faith in Latin America. Her figure transcends time as a symbol of comfort, hope, and cultural unity. Her image, miraculously imprinted on Saint Juan Diego's cloak in 1531, holds mysteries that continue to fascinate believers and scientists alike.

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But before discovering the mysteries contained within the Juan Diego's cloak, we return to the 20th century to recall that, in May 1970, St. Josemaría Escrivá traveled to Mexico with a fervent desire: praying before the Virgin of Guadalupe in the old Basilica.

«I have come to see the Virgin of Guadalupe, and to see you as well,» she announced to her children in her first greetings. The deep devotion of St. Josemaría led him to spend hours in prayer before "la Morenita del Tepeyac," to whom he addressed words full of love:

"I offer you a future of love, with many souls..... Waves of souls, all over the world and at all times, determined to give themselves to your Son and to the service of others."

St. Josemaría and Our Lady of Guadalupe: a filial yearning

During his visit, he prayed for the Church, the Pope and Opus Dei with great and filial confidence. In a conversation with Cardinal Miguel Dario Miranda, he had even humorously expressed his desire: "when I am in front of her, they won't even take me out of the sanctuary with a crane".

Recalling the circumstances of that outburst of filial affection for Our Lady, Msgr. Javier Echevarría -who accompanied him on the trip, wrote twenty-five years later: "I would dare to assure him - I heard him say it on several occasions - that Our Lady forced him to undertake that penitential pilgrimage, because she wanted him to ask her intercession there, at the feet of that brown image, in favor of the world, of the Church, and of this small portion of the Church, which is Opus Dei.

Escrivá had a deep affection for the Guadalupana, reflected even in the details of his daily life. In his office in Rome always had a picture of her, witness to his countless prayers.

The impact of his devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe was also reflected in the encounters he had with thousands of people during his stay in Mexico. In his catecheses, he transmitted his love for Our Lady and encouraged all her sons and daughters and the faithful to approach her with trust and generosity. This teaching continues to inspire members of Opus Dei and all those who seek to follow the path of holiness in daily life. daily life.

St. Josemaría did not promote an exclusive devotion to a particular Marian devotion, but he recognized in Our Lady of Guadalupe a special model of tenderness and divine closeness. He called it the Seat of Wisdom and our Hope.invoking her with confidence to ask for her intercession on behalf of all God's children.

St. Josemaría's relationship with our Lady of Guadalupe continues to be a source of inspiration. His filial trust and love for the Mother of God remind us that Mary is always ready to receive our petitions and to accompany us on our journey towards Christ.

Today, her example encourages us to pray with faith and to trust fully in Our Lady's maternal protection. ???????? But now let us enter into the mysteries of a miraculous tilma.

What is a tilma?

To understand the magnitude of the miracle of Guadalupe, it is important to know what a tilma is. It is a a mantle used by Mesoamerican Indians, made of maguey fiber.. This material, although resistant for daily work, has a limited useful life, generally not exceeding 20 years.

The tilmas were simple garments, used as a coat or to carry food. It is in this context that the story of the Virgin of Guadalupe begins, for it was in the tilma of a humble Indian, Juan Diego, that an image that defies all human explanation was captured.

The history of the Virgin of Guadalupe

In December 1531, just 10 years after the conquest of Mexico, an indigenous convert to Christianity named Juan Diego was on his way to Tepeyac to attend the Mass. On that hill, the Virgin Mary appeared to him for the first time, asking him to go to Bishop Zumárraga and request the construction of a temple in that place.

As expected, the bishop asked for proof of the apparitions. In response, in her last apparition, on December 12, at the top of the hill, where only plants especially resistant to inclement weather grew, the Virgin asked Juan Diego to pick the roses in bloom that she found there, in the middle of winter.

Juan Diego obeyed and, when he unfolded his tilma in front of the bishop, not only did the flowers fall, but an image of the Virgin Mary appeared drawn on the maguey fabric. This miracle marked the beginning of the Guadalupana devotion.

Seven mysteries of the tilma

The tilma of Juan Diego is not only a miraculous canvas; it is an enigma that has been the subject of numerous scientific studies. These are some of the mysteries that surround it:

1. Inexplicable durabilityDespite being made of maguey fiber, which should have disintegrated centuries ago, the tilma remains intact after almost 500 years. This defies natural laws and has been considered a miracle by the faithful, and an inexplicable fact by the scientific community that has studied the canvas.

2. The unknown origin of colorsThe pigments in the image do not correspond to any known pictorial technique. Scientists have confirmed that they are not of vegetable, animal or mineral origin, and no brush strokes are found.

3. Eye reflectionsThe Virgin's eyes, when enlarged, show tiny reflections that correspond to human figures, including Juan Diego and Bishop Zumárraga.

This detail, discovered with modern technology, is astonishing for its precision in the small space of the corneas. Through the process of digitizing computer images, the reflection of thirteen people in the eyes of the Virgin Mary was discovered according to the Purkinje-Samson laws.

The very small diameter of the corneas (7 and 8 mm) rules out the possibility of painting the figures on their eyes, especially considering the crude material on which the image is printed.

4. Stars on the mantleThe Virgin's mantle shows a star pattern that coincides with the constellations visible in the Mexican sky on December 12, 1531, the day of the last apparition.

5. Constant temperatureThe tilma maintains a constant temperature of 36.6º Celsius, similar to that of a living human body.

6. Resistance to damageIn 1921, an attack with dynamite near the tilma destroyed the altar, but the image remained completely intact and undamaged.

7. Cultural symbolismThe Virgin combines indigenous and Christian elements. For example, her dress has floral patterns representing mountains sacred to the Mexica, and her posture indicates humility and prayer, common in Catholic iconography. The features of her face are indigenous and she spoke to Juan Diego in her native dialect.

Tilma Virgen de Guadalupe
Tilma Virgin of Guadalupe.

Today, this miraculous tilma is in the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City, exposed for millions of pilgrims who come to contemplate it every year, especially during its feast day on December 12.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of America

In his homily of December 12, 1981, St. John Paul II emphasized the importance of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the cultural and religious identity of Mexico and Latin America, referring to her as a symbol of unity and evangelization, and also as fertile ground for the priestly vocations.

The Virgin of Guadalupe, as patroness of America, continues to encourage young people to respond courageously to Her call, offering them her maternal protection and constant intercession. Saint Juan Diego, canonized in 2002 and chosen as the messenger of this miracle, is an example of humility and service. His simple life reminds us that God works wonders through willing hearts.

As St. Josemaría teaches us, "To Jesus one always goes and returns through Mary". The Virgin Mary intercedes for each one of us.. His love and guidance strengthen priests in their mission to evangelize and serve. serve.

Mary always guides her children to Jesus, and especially those whom He calls to the priesthood. Her message of love and service, which transformed history in 1531, continues to be a source of strength for those who discern their vocation. Our Lady invites these young people to be a bridge between God and His people, just as St. Juan Diego was.

A devotion that transcends the centuries

Every December 12, her feast day, millions of pilgrims flock to the Basilica of Guadalupe, considered one of the most visited shrines in the world. But beyond numbers, devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe is a testimony to God's love. Her image was not only a gift to the newly evangelized indigenous people, but also a universal call to faith and reconciliation.

And we end with one of St. Josemaría's petitions on the last day of his novena: "Lady, I surrender myself, I surrender myself totally: I no longer ask! I love the Will of your Son! We abandon ourselves, we rest, we love and accept his designs, fully accepting God's Will.

We know, Our Mother, that You will give us the means to carry on this path of charity and love, and to spread it throughout the world. (...)».

Solidarity market to support the formation of priests

The CARF Foundation's charity flea market stirs hearts. This, at least, is what happened to Mercedes Castaño, a woman who happened to pass by the flea market by chance. She bought a raffle ticket for a print by a well-known artist. And she won. A luck that had never happened in her life. She was so excited that she wanted to learn more about the work of the CARF Foundation.

Nearly a thousand people visited the charity market

"Our guest had no idea what the CARF Foundation was or where the CARF funds were going. solidarity market. But she stopped by the store and bought a ballot. Now she is very excited and wants to know more about the destination of your small contribution: the financing of study and maintenance grants for the formation of seminarians, diocesan priests, religious men and women studying in Rome and Pamplona. And also, of course, to pay for one of our most precious icons: the sacred vessel backpacks"Carmen, one of the people in charge of the Board of Trustees of the CARF Foundation and of the charity market, tells us.

In its 28th edition, held from November 26 to 30 at the premises of the parish of St. Louis de los Franceses, at 9 Padilla Street, once again this year this flea market welcomed close to 1,000 people, and both Carmen and Rosana, presidents of the Patronato, were a bit worried about some changes that took place in the last dates of their organization.

Rosana, co-president of the Patronato de Acción Social.

50 volunteers

"We are delighted because I think that about a thousand people in total have passed at some point in the market, which this year has lasted fewer days than in previous editions. It has been a delight. In addition, we have had almost 50 volunteers, and some men too!", says Carmen.

But, above all, something that gives great satisfaction to all the people who collaborate in this charity market is that they are helping the formation of priests and seminarians.

As Rosana explains, this year they were a little worried because they had to change the days of the week on which the flea market is always organized. "It had worked very well for us to start on a Friday and finish on a Wednesday. This year, however, we opened on a Tuesday and finished on Saturday, because on Sunday the parish needed the space for their catechesis. But it was also a success. Saturday afternoon-evening, the fifty volunteers helped pick everything up. What a great help."

carmen mercadillo solidario fundacion carf carla restoy

For the formation of seminarians and priests

The charity market of the CARF Foundation, organized by the volunteers of the Patronato de Acción Social, is an annual event that is organized to raise funds for study grants for the formation of seminarians and diocesan priestsreligious men and women studying at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, and in the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Navarra.

Every year, they offer for sale valuable objects and other more economical ones, always advised by a network of experts to help assess furniture, pictures, kitchenware, cutlery, etc. and thus set an appropriate price.

Vintage furniture and clothing

"This year has sold very well. furniture we have restored and painted thanks to a restorer who has left some beautiful wooden tables. They sold phenomenally well," says Carmen.

Vintage clothing is also a classic at the flea market. which sells very well. "But in addition to the models we put on sale, such as skirts, dresses, pants, jackets, coats, etc., we have a very good saleswoman who accompanies every lady and young person, and people are delighted. The baby clothes, hand-knitted by our collaborators, have also been a great success," says Rosana.

Influencer Carla Restoy

This year, the flea market had a very special guest: the influencer Carla Restoy, who, at only 28 years old, is revolutionizing social networks with his message about life, marriage and faith.

Carla thought the flea market was wonderful, especially because of its transcendental dimension: collaborate with study aids for the formation of priests and seminarians, as well as to defray the costs of the backpacks of sacred vessels that are given to seminarians prior to their ordination to the priesthood, when they return to their countries of origin. 

"Thank you all for contributing once again to the formation of seminarians, diocesan priests, religious men and women by buying a little something at our annual flea market. We have managed to raise about 35,000 euros. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts", concluded Carmen and Rosana, encouraging everyone not to miss the next date of the charity market.

Marta Santín, Journalist specializing in religious information

Advent: a time of hope and preparation. 6 keys to live it

The season of Advent marks the four weeks leading up to the ChristmasIt is an opportunity to reflect, reconnect with our faith and live the expectation of Christ made man with an open heart.

But how can we truly take advantage of this time without getting carried away by the distractions of consumerism, social commitments or everyday worries? Below, we share with you some keys to live Advent with depth and meaning.

The meaning of Advent

The word Advent comes from the Latin adventuswhich means coming. During these weeks, the Church invites us to prepare our hearts for two important events:

Advent is not only a countdown to Christmas, but a call to conversion and spiritual preparation. This is a time to pause, meditate and reorient our lives towards God.

Keys to live Advent with faith

1. Set aside a daily time for prayer

Take a few minutes each day to be alone with God. You can read the readings of the day, meditate on the biblical passages that announce the coming of Jesus, or pray the Holy Rosary. If you have an Advent calendar, use it to deepen the daily liturgy.

TipCreate a space at home for prayer with a candle or a picture of Jesus' birth. Lighting a candle each week of Advent can help you remember the meaning of waiting. Remember the Advent wreath.

2. Practice charity

Advent is a time to look beyond ourselves and share with others, especially those who need it most. Consider how you can be an instrument of love:

3. Live the liturgy

Attending Sunday Mass is essential to nourish our faith. During this time, pay special attention to the liturgical signs: the readings, the prayers and the color purple, which symbolizes penance and hope.

4. Reduce material distractions

It's easy to get caught up in the shopping, decorations or holiday dinners. While these elements have their place, make sure you don't lose sight of the true meaning of this time.

5. Approach the sacrament of Confession.

Advent is a perfect time to reconcile ourselves with God. Examine your conscience and receive the sacrament of Confession. Cleansing our hearts helps us welcome the Baby Jesus with peace and joy.

6. Cultivate hope

Advent reminds us that waiting makes sense because we are waiting for something great: God's love made flesh. Even in the midst of difficulties, this is an opportunity to renew our hope and trust that God never abandons us.

TipReflects on the virtues of Mary and St. Joseph, read about the characters of Bethlehem. They lived the wait with faith and humility. How can you imitate their example?

Conclusion

Advent is a time to pause and look at what is essential. Beyond lights, gifts and celebrations, we are invited to prepare our hearts for an encounter with Christ. Let this time transform us, bring us closer to God and make us true witnesses of his love.

May this Advent be for you and your family a journey filled with faith, hope, and charity, so that you may truly experience Christmas and the birth of Jesus!

Religious persecution and intolerance in the 21st century

The persecution The religious persecution suffered by many Christians has been provoked by public authorities, by non-Christian groups or by other Christians of different faiths throughout the history of the world. Christianity.

Perhaps part of the answer lies in the following reflections:

Pursuit

Persecutions of any kind are deplorable acts, especially those of a religious nature, because they limit the freedom of human beings in their relationship with God. Unfortunately, universal history has shown us that religious persecutions have their origin in ancient times.

In the case of the recent history of Spain, cited as a reference in numerous works, a detailed study published in 1961 by Antonio Montero Moreno, identified a total of 6,832 religious victims murdered in the Republican territory, of which 13 were bishops; 4,184, diocesan priests; 2,365, religious; and 283, nuns. In a study published in 2001, the researcher and priest Ángel David Martín Rubio lowered the total number of members of the clergy murdered during this period in the Republican zone to 6,733.

Intolerance

We know that intolerance is the inability to accept other people's ideas, beliefs or practices when they are different from one's own and that the intolerant person is characterized by maintaining his or her opinion, without paying attention to others.

We also know that when the emotional or passionate component is added, intolerance becomes fanaticism or that, when there is an excessive attachment to following fundamental texts to the letter out of their context, we fall into fundamentalism.

As human attitudes, all of them violate people's dignity, with the most common reasons being race, sex or religion.

Finally, we know that tolerance is an acquired habit and, therefore, a competence that humans can develop voluntarily, since our natural instinct would lead us down the path of intolerance and aggression.

We could deduce up to this point that the origin of the problem is personalThe "own" of each one of us, and that it depends on the education received in our family, social and cultural environment.

Francis also asked that "no one be considered a second-class citizen," especially Christians, who represent 1% of the population in the Muslim country, and the Yazidis, a minority persecuted by the Islamic State.

Consequences of religious persecution and intolerance 

According to the latest report of Aid to the Church in Need, presented at the end of 2014, a total of 55 countries in the world (28%), have suffered in the last two years a marked worsening or deterioration of religious freedom.

In 14 of the 20 countries that suffer persecution for professing the Catholic religion, it is linked to the islamism In the other 6, the persecution is linked to authoritarian regimes, most of them communist.

According to the report of the NGO Open Door (World Watch List WWL Report), more than 100 million Christians are persecuted in the world today.

Spain has had its own experience of this phenomenon: 1,523 martyrs beatified as a result of the religious intolerance of the 1930s, of whom 11 have already been canonized.

persecución religiosa siglo xxi

Warnings

Two observations are in order:

a) Pope Francis does so on the "false tolerance of those who want to force others to live privately and not publicly the ethical principles consistent with the truth found". (20 Jun.14).

In a word, he warns against wolves in sheep's clothing, who propose to remove crucifixes or religious symbols from public life or who, in the name of a false tolerance with other religions, promote the expropriation of the Cathedral of Cordoba, to give a simple example of the present time.

b) It is also good to warn about the false accusations of discrimination that the architects of the fallacy promote when they put on the same level of equality the dignity of the person and his behavior, accusing as discriminatory the censure that can be made of certain behaviors.

To exemplify this phenomenon we can say that when a child is censured for going out drinking and coming back in the early hours of the morning, his personal dignity is not being violated nor is he being discriminated against, only his behavior, which is educable and modifiable, is being censured.

If promiscuous behavior is censured, it is also not discriminated against because this behavior can be modified by the child, keeping intact his or her personal dignity, which must be treated with the utmost charity and understanding.

Action plan

Pope Francis stresses that "the problem of intolerance must be faced as a whole". "the good of the whole society is at risk and we all have to feel involved". (Oct 2013).

In a word, we cannot stand idly by, we have to act, we have to fight, with the instruments available, which for a Christian are, among others, prayer, being committed to just causes and active participation, otherwise the place, our place, will be taken by others.

Guide to the Novena of the Immaculate Conception

What is the meaning of the Immaculate Conception of Mary?

Before we dive into the novena to the Immaculate Conception, it is essential to understand the meaning of the Immaculate Conception. 

The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception was proclaimed as dogma by Pope Pius IX on December 8, 1854, by means of the papal bull Ineffabilis Deuswhich declares that the Virgin Mary was free from original sin from the first moment of her conception through the merits of her son Jesus Christ.

Spain played a decisive role in the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, mainly due to the deep devotion that the country has always had towards the Virgin Mary, especially under the invocation of the Immaculate Conception.

"The Blessed Virgin Mary was preserved immune from every stain of original guilt from the first moment of her conception by the singular grace and privilege of almighty God, in view of the merits of Christ Jesus, Savior of the human race," Bull. Ineffabilis Deus.

Our Lady wanted to accompany this proclamation, before and after, in the apparitions to St. Catherine Labouré in Rue du Bac in Paris, to Alphonse Ratisbonne in Rome, to St. Bernadette in Lourdes, and to the little shepherds in Fatima.

  1. Saint Catherine Labouré (1830 - Rue du Bac, Paris): During the apparitions to Catherine, Our Lady presented her with the design of the Miraculous Medal, which included the image of the Immaculate Conception surrounded by the inscription "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you".
  2. Alphonse Ratisbonne (1842 - Rome): In the vision of Ratisbonne, he experienced a profound conversion to Catholicism after seeing the Virgin Mary in the church of St. Andrew in Rome under the invocation of the Miraculous Medal.
  3. Saint Bernadette (1858 - Lourdes): At Lourdes, the Virgin Mary identified herself as the Immaculate Conception during the apparitions to St. Bernadette Soubirous.
  4. Saints Jacinta and Francisco and the Venerable Sister Lucia (1917 - 1917 - 1917) Fatima): at FatimaThe Virgin Mary urged prayer and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary as the means to obtain peace.

St. Maximilian Kolbe, founder of the Militias of the Immaculate Conception and martyr in Auschwitz, developed the theology of the created Immaculate Conception and the uncreated Immaculate Conception. The first refers to the original grace conferred on the Virgin Mary at the moment of her conception, assuring her immunity to original sin from the first moment of her existence. The second refers to the Holy Spirit, as the eternal immaculate conception proceeding from the Love between the Father and the Son, and which, as the spouse of the Virgin, confers on Mary to be the mediator of all Graces. His legacy highlights the importance of the Immaculate Conception in Catholic spirituality and the unconditional surrender to the divine will.

In 1954 Pope Pius XII proclaimed a Marian Year in the universal Church, to celebrate the centenary of the dogmatic definition of the Immaculate Conception. 

Devotion to the Immaculate Conception of Mary offers all of us a model of holiness in the figure of Mary. By honoring her purity and drawing inspiration from her life as an example of obedience and surrender to God's will. 

The custom of the novena to the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary

The ninthfrom Latin novemconsists of praying for nine consecutive days to entrust an intention or ask for a particular grace to God through the Blessed Virgin Mary. This custom of praying the novena to the Immaculate Conception is a way to prepare ourselves interiorly for the feast of the Immaculate Conception during the nine previous days. You can attend mass, pray the Holy Rosary or other Marian devotions, the most important thing is to live it personally. 

The Immaculate Conception is such a great mystery that nine days are not enough to contemplate it! However, the time dedicated to the novena to the Immaculate Conception allows our hearts to prepare to joyfully celebrate the first great Marian feast of the liturgical year. This novena to the Immaculate Conception, which has been encouraged and blessed by the Church, is prayed, each year throughout the world, from November 30 to December 8.

Nine ideas to live the novena of the Immaculate Conception

To live this novena, we suggest that you meditate daily on the Gospel. St. Josemaría advised you to put more effort into assiduous conversation with our Lady, with a delicate care in the prayerWe are also trying to live small details of affection with her.

"One always goes to Jesus and returns to him through Mary". (St. Josemaría, The Way, 495).

novena a la inmaculada

We recommend the following guide with the help of some ideas that come from St. Josemaría's and Pope Francis' affection for our Lady, can help you prepare for the days leading up to the feast of the Immaculate Conception. 

Day 1 - The Annunciation: We reflect on the moment when the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the Mother of the Savior.

Day 2 - The Visitation: we meditate on Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth and the joy she brought with her.

Day 3 - The Nativity of Mary: We celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary and her importance in the history of redemption.

Day 4 - The Presentation of Mary in the temple: we consider the act of presenting Mary in the temple as a symbol of consecration.

Day 5 - The Perpetual Virginity of Mary: we reflect on Mary's commitment to perpetual virginity.

Day 6 - Mary, Mirror of Justice: we contemplate Mary as a model of virtue and justice.

Day 7 - Mary, Refuge of Sinners: we approach Mary in search of refuge and forgiveness.

Day 8 - Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth: we recognize Mary's kingship in the divine family.

Day 9 - Immaculate Conception: We celebrate the central dogma, Mary's conception without original sin.

May this novena to the Immaculate Conception be a path of grace and blessings for all!

What is plenary indulgence and how to obtain it?

Plenary indulgence is an extraordinary gift of the Catholic Church, which allows for the complete remission of the temporal punishment that remains after sins have been forgiven in the sacrament of confession.

Since 1983 the Code of Canon Law (can. 992) and the Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 1471), define indulgence as follows:

"An indulgence is the remission before God of the temporal punishment for sins, already forgiven, as to guilt, which a faithful willing and fulfilling certain conditions obtains through the mediation of the Church, which, as the administrator of redemption, distributes and applies with authority the treasure of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints."

St. Josemaría also emphasized the spiritual depth of indulgences when he stated: "indulgences are a manifestation of God's infinite mercy" (The Way, 310).

Difference between plenary and partial indulgence

Plenary and partial indulgence are expressions of God's infinite mercy. Although they differ in scope, both encourage us to seek holiness through faith, prayer and works of charity.

The plenary indulgence is an extraordinary gift, since it completely removes the temporary grief that remains after the sorry of sins in the sacrament of confession. It is an act of love that allows us to present ourselves before God purified free of any stain that keeps us away from His presence.

On the other hand, the partial leniency remits only a part of this sorrow, but it is no less significant. It is an important step that motivates us to continue advancing in our spiritual journey, offering our prayers, sacrifices and good works as concrete signs of repentance and faith.

Pope Francis, explained it clearly during his General Audience, March 9, 2016 that. "the plenary indulgence is a gift that helps us to grow closer to God and to live a holier life.". This is why we must remember that plenary indulgences are an invitation to walk towards holiness with hope and trust in divine mercy.

Every time we have recourse to indulgences, we renew our commitment to conversion, we confirm that God's love is always ready to welcome us and to give us a new opportunity. What greater consolation can we have than to know that, through these practices, we draw closer to the Father's loving heart?

Requirements to obtain a plenary indulgence

Pope Benedict XVI, in his Message for Lent 2008, affirmed: "The indulgence cannot be understood as a kind of 'discount' on the punishment due for sin, but as an aid to a more radical conversion". Indulgence is a sincere opportunity to commit ourselves to the path to holiness and to renew our relationship with God.

  1. Sacramental confession: this sacrament allows us to be in a state of grace and to be reconciled with God. In the act of confessionWe find the loving embrace of the Father who is always ready to forgive us.
  2. Eucharistic communion: receive the Eucharist with devotion. As we approach the altar, we find the strength to live in holiness.
  3. Prayer for the Pope's intentions: praying an Our Father and a Hail Mary unites us to the universal Church. This simple act invites us to think beyond our own needs and to pray for the common good.
  4. Total detachment from sin: This step does not demand perfection, but a sincere desire to reject sin, even venial sin. It is a call to examine our heart and to live according to God's will.
  5. Carry out the indulgenced work: for example, pray the Rosary in community, to read Sacred Scripture for at least half an hour or to adore the Blessed Sacrament or carry out works of mercyboth spiritual and corporal.

Meeting these requirements is a reminder that God's grace is always available to those who seek it in humility and sincerity.

When can a plenary indulgence be obtained?

There are particularly significant moments for obtaining plenary indulgences:

In addition to these specific dates, the Pope may designate other special occasions to obtain indulgences. Each of these opportunities brings us closer to the merciful heart of God and invites us to live our faith.

Plenary indulgence and medal of St. Benedict

At specific moments, the Church grants the possibility of gaining plenary indulgences related to the use of the St. Benedict medalThe usual conditions are met: confession, communion, prayer for the Pope's intentions, detachment from sin and the performance of an indulgenced work.

Among the most notable occasions for gaining a plenary indulgence linked to the medal of St. Benedict are:

Reverso y anverso de una medalla de San Benito.
Reverse and obverse of a medal of St. Benedict.

By knowing the meaning and beauty of the gift of plenary indulgence, we come closer to the infinite mercy of God. In this journey of faith, the work of the CARF Foundation is fundamental, as with your support it trains priests and seminarians for the Catholic Church, who will be the ones to guide and accompany us in our relationship with God. Supporting the CARF Foundation means that more Christians can come closer to God's redeeming grace throughout the world.