Plenary Induldge

[ndeparis88]

On a Catholic blog I read something that if we do a certain thing in a Church on January first we receive a plenary indulge. Can someone explain what that indulgence consist of, and can it me after January 1st?

 

[TxBSonnier]

Here’s a good overview of indulgences including plenary ones. marysaggies.blogspot.com/2010/08/what-you-need-to-know-about-indulgences.html

As far as I’m aware the one for Jan 1st is only for that day, but there are SEVERAL available year round, including a few special ones for the Year of Faith.

 

[ndeparis88]

Here’s a good overview of indulgences including plenary ones. marysaggies.blogspot.com/2010/08/what-you-need-to-know-about-indulgences.html

As far as I’m aware the one for Jan 1st is only for that day, but there are SEVERAL available year round, including a few special ones for the Year of Faith.

The question I am struggling with is that say (not that I will) but say I know I’m going to just be a booze hound on new years day so that would be what the sin of gluttony, if I do the things prescribe din the indulge before i get sloshed will I not have to go to confession?

 

[nitesnake]

The question I am struggling with is that say (not that I will) but say I know I’m going to just be a booze hound on new years day so that would be what the sin of gluttony, if I do the things prescribe din the indulge before i get sloshed will I not have to go to confession?

lol. I’m not sure, but I don’t think that will work. A plenary indulgence includes a “complete detachment from sin, even a venial one”. I always try for the Divine Mercy indulgence. I have a strong attachment for Divine Mercy Sunday, don’t know why, but I do. I suspect it’s because of my attachment to sin, which I wish to get rid of.

 

[Elizium23]

The question I am struggling with is that say (not that I will) but say I know I’m going to just be a booze hound on new years day so that would be what the sin of gluttony, if I do the things prescribe din the indulge before i get sloshed will I not have to go to confession?

No, that is exactly what an indulgence is not. It is not a “pass” to commit sin. It is the remission of temporal punishment from the effects of sin already forgiven. I suggest that you read the above poster’s link, as well as this one: The Enchiridion of Indulgences and learn the criteria for obtaining indulgences. A plenary indulgence can only be attained if you are completely without attachment to sin, even venial sin. So it is an important step in the path of personal holiness that you seek and gain indulgences on a regular basis. It is not difficult to gain a partial indulgence. Many prayers and pious activities have one attached. Even making the Sign of the Cross will gain you a partial indulgence, if you have the intention to do so. I prefer to offer my indulgences up to souls of those who have recently died whom I name. It is also possible to offer them for any soul in need. Or, you can keep them for yourself. It is not a bad idea to keep at least one for yourself once in a while. Good luck and happy new year!

To the OP:

1. “Come, Holy Spirit, Creator Blest.” PLENARY INDULGENCE if recited on the first of January or on the feast of the Pentecost. Otherwise, a partial indulgence is granted to those who recite it.

It does not specify that this must be recited in a church or oratory, so you can do it anywhere. Oops, it’s a day late for this year, so save it for Pentecost!

 

[ndeparis88]

No, that is exactly what an indulgence is not. It is not a “pass” to commit sin. It is the remission of temporal punishment from the effects of sin already forgiven. I suggest that you read the above poster’s link, as well as this one: The Enchiridion of Indulgences and learn the criteria for obtaining indulgences. A plenary indulgence can only be attained if you are completely without attachment to sin, even venial sin. So it is an important step in the path of personal holiness that you seek and gain indulgences on a regular basis. It is not difficult to gain a partial indulgence. Many prayers and pious activities have one attached. Even making the Sign of the Cross will gain you a partial indulgence, if you have the intention to do so. I prefer to offer my indulgences up to souls of those who have recently died whom I name. It is also possible to offer them for any soul in need. Or, you can keep them for yourself. It is not a bad idea to keep at least one for yourself once in a while. Good luck and happy new year!

To the OP:

It does not specify that this must be recited in a church or oratory, so you can do it anywhere. Oops, it’s a day late for this year, so save it for Pentecost!

Thank you for clearing that up. I did actually a place where someone quoted the catechism explaining how it’s not a pass to sin. I’m glad I found this out so I know in the future for other indulgences.