Another Indulgence Question

[DAML72]

During this Jubilee Year of Mercy, I have been working at gaining plenary indulgences (hopefully) for deceased loved ones. What I have been doing is trying to go to confession just before I complete the act (holy door, public Stations, veneration of the cross, etc.) to ensure that I am at least in a state of grace, and hopefully correctly disposed to receive the indulgence. Then I also go to confession afterwards. It has become a little exhausting (which perhaps it should, given that there should be effort involved). It has been great for my spiritual life, but I find myself very anxious with all my other obligations about trying to squeeze in confession during that one hour that it is offered per week. (I’m also a bit concerned my priests will start to think I am becoming scrupulous) Anyway, do any of you know - does the confession have to come after the indulgenced act, or is it sufficient to go just before?

Specifically, for the indulgence tomorrow attached with Divine Mercy Sunday, is it sufficient that I went to confession today?

 

[Confiteor_Deo]

You can go to Confession about 20 days before or after the indulgenced work and you must be in the state of grace when you perform the indulgenced work, so it is sufficient that you went to Confession today. Here is a summary of the general conditions for gaining indulgences.

 

[brad90956]

Yes, you are fine.

From EWTN:

Plenary indulgence

I. The usual conditions for every plenary indulgence:

sacramental confession [according to previously issued norms, within abut 20 days before or after]
Eucharistic communion [according to previously issued norms, preferably on the day, or the days before or after]
prayer for the intentions of Supreme Pontiff [certain prayers are not specified]
II. The specific conditions for this Indulgence

On Divine Mercy Sunday

in any church or chapel, in a spirit that is completely detached from the affection for a sin, even a venial sin, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honour of Divine Mercy
or, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus (e.g. Merciful Jesus, I trust in you!")

 

[Luigi_Daniele]

Interesting

I always thought it was within 8 days

 

[DAML72]

Interesting

I always thought it was within 8 days

It used to be. Was changed to 20 days I think in 2000.

 

[DAML72]

Thanks all. Perhaps I am a bit scrupulous - for some reason I wasn’t trusting the ‘before’ language, even though I’m sure I’ve read it a number of times.

 

[Kay_Cee]

I have been working at gaining plenary indulgences (hopefully) for deceased loved ones.

Oh, how I wish more people would do this!!!

BTW, one confession can be used for many plenary indulgences. According to the Manual of Indulgences, “A single sacramental confession suffices for gaining several plenary indulgences; but Holy Communion must be received and prayer for the intention of the Holy Father must be recited for the gaining of each plenary indulgence.”

As for the work, I usually do one half hour of Bible reading (which must be from an approved translation) or one half hour of Eucharistic Adoration.

You might consider doing indulgences not only for deceased friends and family members but also for souls in Purgatory who have no one to pray for them. “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)