Can indulgences work retroactively?

[Sultan_Of_Swing]

Let’s say someone passed away a long time ago.

I get a plenary indulgence for that particular person.

Could, seeing as God is not limited by time, the indulgence be applied to back then when said person first entered purgatory and so would immediately enter heaven instead of experiencing the purgatorial punishment?

I understand no indulgences are wasted and so if said person is already in heaven it will go wherever God wants it, but could it be applied to that person in heaven back to the time they were in purgatory and so remove that purgatorial cleansing?

 

[MarcoPolo]

I don’t see why not for the reason that God is not bound by time. To confirm also what you said:We must be certain, therefore, that there are no superfluous, useless prayers; not one of them is lost. And they find a response – even if it is oftentimes mysterious – because God is Love and infinite Mercy. ~SEPT. 12, 2012, Benedict XVI general audience

 

[JuantheTuba]

It’s possible, I don’t think the Church has ever taught definitively on this. But theologians through out the ages have posited this idea. Regardless, you should continue to pray for the souls, no matter how long ago they died.