Obtaining a Plenary Indulgence

[giuseppe96]

I am aware of the conditions of receiving a plenary indulgence:

1. Sacramental confession
2. Communion
3. Prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father, all to be performed within days of each other if not at the same time.

So what exactly does the enchiridion mean by “days of each other”? My last confession was about two weeks ago, so I need to know if being in a state of grace suffices for gaining a plenary indulgence.

 

[Vico]

So what exactly does the enchiridion mean by “days of each other”? My last confession was about two weeks ago, so I need to know if being in a state of grace suffices for gaining a plenary indulgence.

Well there is also excluding all attachment to sin.

The actual wording from the 1999 fourth edition Enchiridion is:

N17. §1. In order to be capable of gaining indulgences one must be baptized, not excommunicated, and in the state of sanctifying grace at least at the completion of the prescribed works.

N20. …
§2. A single sacramental confession suffices for gaining several plenary indulgences; but Holy Communion must be received and prayer for the intention of the Holy Father must be recited for the gaining of each plenary indulgence.
§3. The three conditions may be fulfilled several days before or after the performance of the prescribed work; it is however, fitting that Communion be received and the prayer for the intention of the Holy Father be said on the same day the work is performed.

The day range for confession is about 20 before or after the indulgenced work.

 

[Blessedwithfive]

so, from this I understand that you do not have to be in a state of grace until the “completion of the prescribed works” so just save Confession until the end. Right? I was under the impression that you needed to be in a “state of grace” when you did the qualifying action --Like walking thru the doors of Mercy a few years ago…

 

[Vico]

at least at the completion of the prescribed works

Say that the indulgenced work is, from concession 30 §1 - Reading of Sacred Scripture (approved text, 30 minutes, reverent), then the state of grace must be just prior to the reading in order to be “at the completion of the prescribed works”. So one could do this reading just after absolution, but receive the Communion and say the prayer for the intention of the Holy Father at different times before or after.

When Anointing of the Sick is administered to a person who is likely dying the apostolic blessing (a plenary indulgence) can be granted, even to one that has lost consciousness.

 

[Gorgias]

so, from this I understand that you do not have to be in a state of grace until the “completion of the prescribed works” so just save Confession until the end. Right? I was under the impression that you needed to be in a “state of grace” when you did the qualifying action --Like walking thru the doors of Mercy a few years ago…

so, from this I understand that you do not have to be in a state of grace until the “completion of the prescribed works” so just save Confession until the end. Right? I was under the impression that you needed to be in a “state of grace” when you did the qualifying action --Like walking thru the doors of Mercy a few years ago…

Well… if you weren’t in a state of grace – that is, if you were in a state of mortal sin – then I’d hope you’d want to get to confession ASAP, and not wait until after you had the chance to jump through the hoops of the requirements for an indulgence!

 

[Pug]

For me it would more go like, the priest is available on Saturday, but I feel inspired to read the bible spiritually now, and I have about 30 minutes, so just read the bible now! I’m inspired!

Then just pray for the relative who I wanted the plenary indulgence for. And do the three conditions later in the week regardless if so inspired.