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