Indulgences question

[Rachel126]

I’ve been reading a bit about indulgences (this was not covered much in my catechism and seems kind of neglected today). I understand the basics. I understand that to receive a plenary indulgence, you must do the prescribed work, and also receive sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and say prayers for the intentions of the Pope, all within about 20 days, and be free of attachment to sin (incl. venial sins).

1. I am not sure what “free of attachment to sin” really means…how do I know if I have this or not? I’m realistic and know that I am going to sin again so long as I am on this earth.
2. In the case of a partial indulgence, are the other conditions (Reconciliation, Eucharist, prayers for the Pope’s intentions, free of attachment to sin) required too? Or do you just do the prescribed work/prayer/action? Do you have to specifically tell God that you are requesting an indulgence?

 

[YoungTradCath]

I’ve been reading a bit about indulgences (this was not covered much in my catechism and seems kind of neglected today). I understand the basics. I understand that to receive a plenary indulgence, you must do the prescribed work, and also receive sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and say prayers for the intentions of the Pope, all within about 20 days, and be free of attachment to sin (incl. venial sins).

1. I am not sure what “free of attachment to sin” really means…how do I know if I have this or not? I’m realistic and know that I am going to sin again so long as I am on this earth.
2. In the case of a partial indulgence, are the other conditions (Reconciliation, Eucharist, prayers for the Pope’s intentions, free of attachment to sin) required too? Or do you just do the prescribed work/prayer/action? Do you have to specifically tell God that you are requesting an indulgence?

1. It means free from all sin, including venial.
2. No. Well, generally you can do an indulgenced act and it is partial, or you can attempt to complete a plenary indulgence and you fail, and then it becomes partial.

 

[holyfamily1]

I’ve been reading a bit about indulgences (this was not covered much in my catechism and seems kind of neglected today). I understand the basics. I understand that to receive a plenary indulgence, you must do the prescribed work, and also receive sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and say prayers for the intentions of the Pope, all within about 20 days, and be free of attachment to sin (incl. venial sins).

1. I am not sure what “free of attachment to sin” really means…how do I know if I have this or not? I’m realistic and know that I am going to sin again so long as I am on this earth.
2. In the case of a partial indulgence, are the other conditions (Reconciliation, Eucharist, prayers for the Pope’s intentions, free of attachment to sin) required too? Or do you just do the prescribed work/prayer/action? Do you have to specifically tell God that you are requesting an indulgence?

To receive any indulgence, you must:

1. Receive Holy Communion on the day intended to receive the indulgence.
2. Pray for the Holy Father’s intentions that day. (Glory be, Hail Mary, Our Father)
3. Do the work.
4. Go to Confession 8 days before or after the day you intend to receive the indulgence.

To be free from attachment to sin, doesn’t mean that we have to be sinless as that is impossible except for Our Lord and Mary. It does mean that one has no desire to sin even venial. He must have a firm desire and plan to never sin again. He must be free from sin.

Indulgences are good! Get one every day if you can!

 

[Glacies]

In general only God knows if a plenary indulgence has been gained, or what happens to the person whom it is applied (a soul in Purgatory or oneself). It is said in the Treatise on Purgatory of St. Catherine of Genoa (1447-1510) that the contrition needed for plenary indulgence is not easy to reach, and if a person knew how hard it is, he would be more sure of losing than gaining it.

The four conditions of the Holy Eucharist, Confession, praying for the Pope, and interior detachment from sin hold only for plenary indulgences, while if the fourth condition is not fulfilled one receives a partial indulgence instead. For all indulgences there are the requirements of being baptized, not excommunicated, in state of grace at least at the end of the prescribed works, having the general intention of gaining them, and completing the prescribed work.

Code of Canon Law on Indulgences
Indulgences - General Conditions

 

[Steveabrous]

1. I am not sure what “free of attachment to sin” really means…how do I know if I have this or not? I’m realistic and know that I am going to sin again so long as I am on this earth.
2. In the case of a partial indulgence, are the other conditions (Reconciliation, Eucharist, prayers for the Pope’s intentions, free of attachment to sin) required too? Or do you just do the prescribed work/prayer/action? Do you have to specifically tell God that you are requesting an indulgence?

1. I don’t think we can presume to know. Only God knows if our hearts are in that place or not. I always assume I didn’t recieve it when I try for a plenary indulgence for someone who has passed. Everything I have read on this subject says it is difficult to recieve a Plenary Indulgence. I go for them but I am content with a partial.

2.I think as long as you do not have unconfessed mortal sin. You can get a partial without jumping through the hoops.

 

[sw85]

I’ve been reading a bit about indulgences (this was not covered much in my catechism and seems kind of neglected today). I understand the basics. I understand that to receive a plenary indulgence, you must do the prescribed work, and also receive sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and say prayers for the intentions of the Pope, all within about 20 days, and be free of attachment to sin (incl. venial sins).

1. I am not sure what “free of attachment to sin” really means…how do I know if I have this or not? I’m realistic and know that I am going to sin again so long as I am on this earth.
2. In the case of a partial indulgence, are the other conditions (Reconciliation, Eucharist, prayers for the Pope’s intentions, free of attachment to sin) required too? Or do you just do the prescribed work/prayer/action? Do you have to specifically tell God that you are requesting an indulgence?

Free from attachment to sin means just that. You are free of the sin, as well as any plans, intentions, affections, or other things that might induce you to sin. If you aren’t sure if you have that sort of freedom, do a thorough examination of conscience and meet with a spiritual director about it. Also pray over it. “I know I am going to sin again” is maybe not the best attitude to have. Do not resign yourself to the inevitability of it because it isn’t inevitable. By definition it’s something we choose. Resolve now never to sin again, and mean it.

For a partial indulgence the only thing required is freedom from mortal sin and the intention to receive the indulgence. This intention can be habitual, per the Apostolic Penitentiary’s guidelines. “Habitual” means you don’t consciously think about it, but that you have in the past formed some sort of intention to gain indulgences and have not since repudiated that intention. For instance if I can make it to Mass early I will pray the rosary and offer up an indulgence after Mass for the holy souls in purgatory. I rarely ever consciously think about doing this until afterward when I’m actually offering it up, but that’s OK.

 

[bben15]

To receive any indulgence, you must:

1. Receive Holy Communion on the day intended to receive the indulgence.
2. Pray for the Holy Father’s intentions that day. (Glory be, Hail Mary, Our Father)
3. Do the work.
4. Go to Confession 8 days before or after the day you intend to receive the indulgence.

To be free from attachment to sin, doesn’t mean that we have to be sinless as that is impossible except for Our Lord and Mary. It does mean that one has no desire to sin even venial. He must have a firm desire and plan to never sin again. He must be free from sin.

Indulgences are good! Get one every day if you can!

I hate to contradict you, but 1,2, and 4 are the requirements for plenary indulgences. The requirements for partial indulgences are simpler.

 

[holyfamily1]

I hate to contradict you, but 1,2, and 4 are the requirements for plenary indulgences. The requirements for partial indulgences are simpler.

Whoops… Duh.

For a plenary indulgence:
A plenary indulgence can be gained only once a day. In order to obtain it, the faithful must, in addition to being in the state of grace:

—have the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin, even venial sin;

—have sacramentally confessed their sins;

—receive the Holy Eucharist (it is certainly better to receive it while participating in Holy Mass, but for the indulgence only Holy Communion is required);

Good link: thewhitelilyblog.wordpress.com/how-to-gain-a-plenary-indulgence/

 

[Honour]

You can gain an indulgence for someone else? How does that work?

Can. 994 Any member of the faithful can gain partial or plenary indulgences for oneself or apply them to the dead by way of suffrage.

What exactly does by way of suffrage mean?

 

[sw85]

You can gain an indulgence for someone else? How does that work?

What exactly does by way of suffrage mean?

It just means prayerfully offer it up for a particular person (or any generic person in purgatory). “Lord, if I have merited today to earn a plenary indulgence through your own grace and the ministry of the Church, then I offer to you, not for my sake, but for the sake of that holy soul in purgatory who is in most desperate need of it.” Something similar.