How to receive a plenary indulgence

[Anima_Christi]

One of the conditions to receiving a plenary indulgence is that you go to confession that day. But if you’re in a state of grace and have no mortal sins that need confessing, can you receive the indulgence without going to confession or do you have to confess your venial sins? And what does it mean to “not have any attachment to sin.”?

 

[netmilsmom]

Anima Christi:

One of the conditions to receiving a plenary indulgence is that you go to confession that day. But if you’re in a state of grace and have no mortal sins that need confessing, can you receive the indulgence without going to confession or do you have to confess your venial sins? And what does it mean to “not have any attachment to sin.”?

Good question!

 

[awalt]

It is very specific that confession is required. It does not have to be on the same day, I have read anywhere +/- 2-3 days of the day of the hope for plenary indulgence.

No attachment to sin means you cannot have any sin on your soul - venial or mortal of course. I have always interpreted this to mean that I should probably do whatever activity hopefully brings the indulgence as soon as Mass is done, as receiving the Eucharist cleanses venial sins, and if I spend one hour out of CHurch I have probably already sinned !!

 

[martino]

My understanding is that you can go to confession within 7 days from the day you wish to gain an indulgence, so if someone goes to confession every two weeks they could gain a plenary indulgence everyday as long as they meet all the other conditions.

Detatchment from sin seems to be difficult to define. My opinion is that it would mean that you have completely committed yourself to avoiding any and all sinful behavior as well as any and all people or things that may tempt you or lead you to sin. This sounds like the definition for the “firm purpose of amendment” that is required for a valid confession; so I am not totally sure what the difference is between the two.

 

[Dr.Colossus]

martino:

Detatchment from sin seems to be difficult to define. My opinion is that it would mean that you have completely committed yourself to avoiding any and all sinful behavior as well as any and all people or things that may tempt you or lead you to sin. This sounds like the definition for the “firm purpose of amendment” that is required for a valid confession; so I am not totally sure what the difference is between the two.

If I understand it correctly, the difference is in the reason for detachment. “Firm purpose of amendment” could be either from a love of God or a fear of Hell and still be valid for confession. For a plenary indulgence, however, the detachment must be sincere and motivated by a wish to follow God rather than avoid punishment.

 

[chicago]

I believe that the requirement for confession is “within a reasonable period of time”. That gets debated as to what constitutes a “reasonable period of time”. I think that as long as one receives the sacrament (yes even if it is just confessing venial sins) relatively shortly before or after performance of the indulged action (within a few days to a week or so… maybe even 2 weeks if, for you, that is what is practically reaonable) that God will certainly be understanding and appreciative of the effort. Though if one is putting it off unnecessarily, well then perhaps they ought to question why and whether they are, themselves, detracting from the requirements for full (plenary) indulgence.

As to the detachment, I think it is just that, a firm commitment to avoid sin and devote oneself to a pure love of God. Being human, I suppose that it is questionable as to how long we can entirely keep ourselves in that state. But, then, that is why the Sacrament of Reconciliation is perpetually available to us and why the Lord continually offers Merciful indulgence. We’re always able to turn back and redidicate ourselves more completely.

In this sense, I would encourage you not to look upon indulgence merely in a legalistic way. Rather, see it as something which enables you to grow in love with God.