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 the Holy Year or Jubilee: an exceptional opportunity to receive abundant graces. It is celebrated every 25 years or in special circumstances designated by the Pope.
• November 1, All Saints Day: by visiting a cemetery and praying for the deceased, we remember those who have preceded us in faith and offer our prayers for their souls.
• November 2, All Souls Day: a day dedicated to intercede for the souls in purgatoryshowing our charity and union with the communion of saints.
• During the Easter: a time of special spiritual intensity, where the Stations of the Cross and the celebrations of the Passion of Christ unite us deeply with the mystery of the Redemption.
• The first Sunday after Easter, Feast of the Divine Mercy: instituted by St. John Paul II, this celebration highlights the infinite mercy of God, a privileged moment to obtain indulgences.
• September 15, Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Sorrows (in 2024): one day for to accompany the Virgin in her sorrow and deepen the mystery of redemptive suffering.
• In liturgical acts such as the Stations of the Cross: Participating with devotion in this representation of the Passion of Christ invites us to unite ourselves to His sacrifice and renew our conversion.

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:

• On the feast of St. Benedict (July 11)by participating in liturgical or devotional acts in honor of this saint, bearer of faith and protector against evil.
• By using the medal of St. Benedict with devotionThe prayer of exorcism inscribed on it, an act that reaffirms our trust in God's grace to protect us from evil and renew our faith.
• Receiving the blessed medal of St. BenedictIn the context of a religious ceremony, where the intention to live according to the principles of the Gospel that St. Benedict promoted is manifested.

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.