Indulgence Treasures

Indulgences are a special grace from God that can reduce or even completely remove the time we or others might spend in purgatory for sins that have already been forgiven. 

The Church, through its authority as the minister of Christ's redemption, grants this grace when we faithfully follow specific prayers, actions, or devotions with a sincere heart. The 1999 Indulgence Manual explains that by fulfilling certain clearly defined conditions, we can draw upon the spiritual merits of Christ and the saints to help heal the remaining effects of our sins. Think of indulgences as a beautiful gift from God through the Church, allowing us to grow closer to Him by addressing the spiritual consequences of our sins, not just for ourselves, but also for the souls in purgatory who need our prayers.

Plenary Indulgences

A plenary indulgence is the full remission of temporal punishment due to sin. The faithful can obtain a plenary indulgence under the following conditions:

1. In the state of grace and detached from all sin
   Free from mortal sin. Make an act of the will to be detached from all sin, including venial, with a prayer, e.g. “Lord, help me to be completely detached from sin and to be attached to you alone.”

2. Performance of the indulgenced work
   Such as praying the Rosary, reading Sacred Scripture for at least half an hour, or making the Stations of the Cross.

3. Sacramental Confession
   Confess your sins to a priest within 20 days. One Confession can be applied to multiple indulgenced acts.

4. Receive Holy Communion
   Can be up to 20 days, but preferably on the day of the indulgenced act. One Communion can be applied to only one act.

5. Prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father
   Pray one Our Father and one Hail Mary.