Indulgence confession condition?

[kjlateran]

Hey!

Does anyone know if there is a specific number of days before or after an indulgence event in which you have to go to confession? Whew. That was a long sentence.

Of the three conditions for a plenary indulgence, two of them (prayer for the Pontiff and Holy Communion) should be done on the same day that you are doing an action to receive the indulgence (at least according to the Enchiridion of Indulgences, 1968). The condition of confession is a bit fuzzy, and I’m not sure if there is a specific number of days either way or not. The Enchiridion simply says “several”, but I have friends who have told me 5, 7, 8, and 20. Help!

 

[John_Russell_Jr]

I have always practised confession within 1 wk.

 

[Ter]

A priest, who was talking about gaining indulgences for the souls in purgatory during November, said you had to go to confession within 8 days (before or after the indulgence day).

 

[yinekka]

To gain a plenary Indulgence, apart from performing the specific work required, three conditions must be fulfilled, within eight days before or after the specific work.

Enchridion of Indulgences, Norms, nos. 26 - 7, 29

Source: Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine
Archbishop Michael Sheehan, edited by Fr Peter Joseph

 

[Joe_Kelley]

I recall hearing many years ago that once a month would suffice if one was a daily communicant, and it specified daily as 3-4 times per week.

Don’t know how official that was or whether it still holds. However, it is a good incentive to attend daily mass.

 

[John_Russell_Jr]

Did some study yesty. Within 8 days prior or the octave after. Except if you attend daily or at least 5 x wk Mass. Then your usual twice or once / mthly confession will do. It is possible to receive a plenary indulgence every day if you go to Mass at least 5 x/ wk. Confession as stated. Say the prayers for the Popes intentions and do the indulgenced act eg Pray a Rosary etc etc.