Intention of an indulgence...?

[Musician]

When I have satisfied the requirements for a plenary indulgence, what should I ask for? Can I apply it to others, for instance that my sons would come back to Jesus?
Or is it only for myself?

 

[Joe_5859]

When I have satisfied the requirements for a plenary indulgence, what should I ask for? Can I apply it to others, for instance that my sons would come back to Jesus?
Or is it only for myself?

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd edition):

CCC 1471 “An indulgence is partial or plenary according as it removes either part or all of the temporal punishment due to sin.” [82] The faithful can gain indulgences for themselves or apply them to the dead. [83]

[82] Indulgentiarum doctrina, Norm 2; Cf. Norm 3.
[83] CIC, can. 994. 84 Cf. Council of Trent (1551): DS 1712-1713; (1563): 1820.

You can only apply indulgences to yourself or for the souls in Purgatory. This is mainly because detachment from sin and being in a state of grace (i.e. no unconfessed mortal sin) is necessary to receive the indulgence and we cannot be sure of either for any other living person.

Of course, you can and should pray ardently for other people, especially your children. You can still make personal sacrifices, fast and pray and do everything you can for them. It’s just not the same thing as an indulgence. But that doesn’t mean it’s not beneficial. It definitely is!

St. Monica is a great saint to call on for help in that regard. She prayed for 30 years for her son’s conversion until he finally came around and became one of the greatest saints in all of Church History: St. Augustine.