Question About Plenary Indulgences

[LittleSoldier]

I am very excited because tomorrow I can, if I am able and with God’s grace, attend a special program at our church that is offered once a month. It consists of the Rosary, Mass, Confession, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and Benediction. I’ve been excited all week and can hardly wait. This will be the first time that I will be doing this but I hope to do it every month.

I know that if I attend Mass and receive the Holy Eucharist, go to Confession (and confess every sin, even if they are venial sins), and adore and meditate on the Blessed Sacrament for 1/2 hour (with a prayer for the intentions of the Pope) that I will receive a plenary indulgence.

But now I’ve read that I can receive a plenary indulgence for the following:

Recite the rosary (15 decades, or 5 decades without interruption and add devout meditation on the mysteries) in a church, oratory or recite in a family, religious community or pious association.

plenary-indulgences.webs.com/

I know that I am limited to one plenary indulgence per day (and that one Confession will count toward more than one plenary indulgence).

My question is:

When I have read that I can receive only one plenary indulgence per day it is left at that. It makes sense because I would only need one plenary indulgence at a time - for myself. But there is someone I love very much and I very recently found out that I can say a plenary indulgence for him. It is my husband. He passed away many years ago when he was 26 and I fear for the state of his soul as he took his own life. Although I’ve prayed for him I’ve felt somewhat helpless as to how to help him beyond that.

Is is possible to receive a plenary indulgence for myself and a plenary indulgence for a person in Purgatory on the same day? I have a feeling the answer is “no” but I’m not sure.

If I can’t, of course I will receive one for him first and then wait a month for mine. I don’t want him to suffer at all and I wish I had known about this all those years ago. I know he may be in hell or he may be in heaven. If he’s in hell, I can’t help him. If he’s in heaven, I don’t need to. But if he’s in Purgatory I need and want to help him in every way possible.

Can anyone help me with this? Thank you so much.

 

[YoungTradCath]

I’m pretty sure you can only complete one plenary indulgence per day.

The concept of indulgences is a huge, vast, and complicated one since you have to know so much prerequisite information to understand them, but I believe every Catholic should know what they do and how do attain them.

 

[LittleSoldier]

I’m pretty sure you can only complete one plenary indulgence per day.

The concept of indulgences is a huge, vast, and complicated one since you have to know so much prerequisite information to understand them, but I believe every Catholic should know what they do and how do attain them.

Thank you. I think you’re correct (and you worded it well by using the word “complete”). I also agree that the concept of indulgences is complicated. I think there are something like 70 different ways to obtain a plenary indulgence and each one requires acts that bring us so much closer to God. It’s not a “Get out of Purgatory Free” card any more than the Brown Scapular is a “Get out of Hell Free” card. It’s a serious, holy, precious gift that must be treated with the respect it deserves (which is immense).

All I knew about them until recently was that supposedly priests were selling them (as if they had the power to do that!) and that many non-Catholics believe indulgences are silly and superstitious.

I’ve learned a lot since then but admit that I have a lot more to learn. Please know that I love God, wish only to follow Him and be with Him and that I am constantly amazed by the love He shows His lambs.

 

[DihydrogenOxide]

You are limited to 1 plenary indulgence per day, but you may offer any other indulgences(plenary/partial) for souls in purgatory. That is, you may complete one for your own soul’s benefit once per day, but you can complete multiple indulgences for the poor souls. It can be all in the same day.

Re: Heroic Act of Charity

 

[LittleSoldier]

You are limited to 1 plenary indulgence per day, but you may offer any other indulgences(plenary/partial) for souls in purgatory. That is, you may complete one for your own soul’s benefit once per day, but you can complete multiple indulgences for the poor souls. It can be all in the same day.

Re: Heroic Act of Charity

(I responded to your post. It took me an hour to write my response and my computer deleted it. It’s gone. I had spell-checked it and previewed it. The only thing I wanted to check was “Heroic Act of Charity” and I lost it all.)

Thank you, “Water” D; sorry, you must get that all the time). If what you say is correct then I am truly confused as to plenary indulgences.

From the website whose link I posted in the OP:

The Handbook of Indulgences* states that a plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who perform the works listed below. This means the full remission of all temporal punishment (time spent in purgatory) due to sin in one’s entire lifetime up to that point. Plenary indulgences can also be requested of Our Lord for the deceased.

There are additional conditions that must be met for the acquiring of a plenary indulgence: 1) that the person truly repudiate and be sorry for all sin, mortal and venial; 2) reception of Holy Communion on the day the indulgence is sought; 3) Sacrament of Penance several days (not specified how many) before or after the indulgence is sought; 4) prayer (which can in the form of an Our Father and a Hail Mary) for the intentions of the pope on the day the indulgence is sought. Only one plenary indulgence per day can be obtained (unless it is the hour of death—see indulgence number 28). Several plenary indulgences may be gained on the basis of a single sacramental confession; only one may be gained, however, on the basis of a single Holy Communion and prayer for the pope’s intentions.

---

According to the site there are two works (I don’t know that “works” is the correct word; I think there is a specific meaning to “works” and I don’t yet know what that is) that must be completed on the day upon which the indulgence is requested:

(1) One must receive the Eucharist;

(2) One must say a prayer for the intentions of the Pope.

In order to receive the indulgence, one must also “truly repudiate and be sorry for all sin, mortal and venial.” I don’t know if this must be done on the day that one requests the indulgence. I know that it must not be necessary to complete the Sacrament of Reconciliation to achieve this as one Sacrament of Reconciliation (that includes the confession of venial sins) is sufficient for several days before and after the indulgence is sought, although confessing to a priest and obtaining absolution would be the best way (IMO).

Still more must be done. Another work must be performed and the site lists them for both plenary and partial indulgences. I had thought that reciting the Rosary would be too easy. I was right. From the website:

Recite the rosary (15 decades, or 5 decades without interruption and add devout meditation on the mysteries) in a church, oratory or recite in a family, religious community or pious association.

The Rosary must be recited in a church or other approved place (and to be honest, I have no idea of the definition of a family association).

I don’t know how I got everything so wrong. I also got the times mixed up and couldn’t possibly get to church in time for the Rosary and I woke up dizzy and with a headache and because of the meds I needed to take for the headache I couldn’t legally drive). I am very disappointed.

I’m also very confused because I googled “Heroic Act of Charity” and found this:

It is appropriate, but not necessary, that the Sacramental Confession and especially Holy Communion and the Prayer for the Pope’s Intentions take place on the same day that the Indulgenced Work is performed; but it is sufficient that these Sacred Rites and Prayers be carried out within several days (about 20) before or after the Indulgenced Act. Prayer for the Pope’s Intentions is left to the Choice of the Faithful, but an “Our Father” and a “Hail Mary” are suggested. One (1) Sacramental Confession suffices for Several Plenary Indulgences, but a separate Holy Communion and a separate Prayer for the Holy Father’s Intentions are required for each Plenary Indulgence.

copiosa.org/prayer_sinners/purgatory_heroic_act.htm

This states that receiving Holy Communion does not need to take place on the same day that the work for the plenary indulgence is completed. That does not contradict what was stated on the website I used but it certainly makes understanding indulgences more complicated. What is a “work?” What is “several?”

I’m beginning to think I need a flow chart.

Thank you for the reference to “Heroic Act of Charity” as helping people leave the suffering in Purgatory and entering Heaven is exactly my aim. I didn’t know it was called that.

I obviously still need to research indulgences and will be doing so. I’m still amazed at the love and mercy that God shows and the gift He has given us - the gift of allowing our works to end the suffering of those souls in Purgatory and bring them into eternity with God in Heaven. This is something I want to do, need to do, and feel that I am responsible for doing.

 

[DihydrogenOxide]

Woo! That was a long reply!

(I responded to your post. It took me an hour to write my response and my computer deleted it. It’s gone. I had spell-checked it and previewed it. The only thing I wanted to check was “Heroic Act of Charity” and I lost it all.)

Yeah, I’ve done that before. It can get frustrating.

Thank you, “Water” D; sorry, you must get that all the time).

LOL yeah, I’m water.

According to the site there are two works (I don’t know that “works” is the correct word; I think there is a specific meaning to “works” and I don’t yet know what that is) that must be completed on the day upon which the indulgence is requested:
(1) One must receive the Eucharist;(2) One must say a prayer for the intentions of the Pope.

Yes and yes.

In order to receive the indulgence, one must also “truly repudiate and be sorry for all sin, mortal and venial.” I don’t know if this must be done on the day that one requests the indulgence. I know that it must not be necessary to complete the Sacrament of Reconciliation to achieve this as one Sacrament of Reconciliation (that includes the confession of venial sins) is sufficient for several days before and after the indulgence is sought, although confessing to a priest and obtaining absolution would be the best way (IMO).

You must go to confession within 1 week(prior or after) of the act in which you prayed for the pope, took Communion and completed the prayer/work. You should be free from an attachment to sin, which is, you must try to be diligent in avoiding all sin. (which everyone should try to do anyway)

Recite the rosary (15 decades, or 5 decades without interruption and add devout meditation on the mysteries) in a church, oratory or recite in a family, religious community or pious association.
The Rosary must be recited in a church or other approved place (and to be honest, I have no idea of the definition of a family association).

You must recite it in a group if it’s outside of a church or oratory. Otherwise, it is only a partial indulgence that can be gained.Family association is with relatives, such as “mom, dad, kids, grandma, etc.” whoever may be there. When in church reciting it by yourself, it is supposed to be recited before the Blessed Sacrament exposed or in the tabernacle.

I don’t know how I got everything so wrong. I also got the times mixed up and couldn’t possibly get to church in time for the Rosary and I woke up dizzy and with a headache and because of the meds I needed to take for the headache I couldn’t legally drive). I am very disappointed.

Try going to daily Mass sometime and completing an act in the handbook. You don’t have to wait for a special event.

I’m also very confused because I googled “Heroic Act of Charity” and found this:

Goodness, it shouldn’t be to confuse people. You went to a confusing site.
I referred to that, because that’s how I know a lot of this stuff. I am “attempting to” complete the heroic act of charity.

This site has a less confusing defninition.

Basically, every indulgence that you attempt to gain through the Church, you ask to be applied to a holy soul in purgatory, but not to your own soul. It’s a type of almsgiving.

I’m beginning to think I need a flow chart.

You’re fine. Don’t worry.

Thank you for the reference to “Heroic Act of Charity” as helping people leave the suffering in Purgatory and entering Heaven is exactly my aim. I didn’t know it was called that.

You should get this book in the link.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31H3hnwAktL.SS500.jpg

It has the Church teaching and the prayers listed and written out.

I have the older version, the Raccolta, which also has the prayers in latin, but this one is more updated.

I obviously still need to research indulgences and will be doing so. I’m still amazed at the love and mercy that God shows and the gift He has given us - the gift of allowing our works to end the suffering of those souls in Purgatory and bring them into eternity with God in Heaven. This is something I want to do, need to do, and feel that I am responsible for doing.

That’s great that you feel so pulled to help the holy souls. It is a beautiful gift. Truly, many people have gotten away from teaching about the holy souls and so people neglect them.

Another (absolutely beautiful) book that is a great book for you, if you haven’t read it:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41MG4M09XZL.SS500.jpg

 

[LittleSoldier]

Woo! That was a long reply!

Yeah, I’ve done that before. It can get frustrating.

LOL yeah, I’m water.

Yes and yes.

You must go to confession within 1 week(prior or after) of the act in which you prayed for the pope, took Communion and completed the prayer/work. You should be free from an attachment to sin, which is, you must try to be diligent in avoiding all sin. (which everyone should try to do anyway)

You must recite it in a group if it’s outside of a church or oratory. Otherwise, it is only a partial indulgence that can be gained.Family association is with relatives, such as “mom, dad, kids, grandma, etc.” whoever may be there. When in church reciting it by yourself, it is supposed to be recited before the Blessed Sacrament exposed or in the tabernacle.

Try going to daily Mass sometime and completing an act in the handbook. You don’t have to wait for a special event.

Goodness, it shouldn’t be to confuse people. You went to a confusing site.
I referred to that, because that’s how I know a lot of this stuff. I am “attempting to” complete the heroic act of charity.

This site has a less confusing defninition.

Basically, every indulgence that you attempt to gain through the Church, you ask to be applied to a holy soul in purgatory, but not to your own soul. It’s a type of almsgiving.

You’re fine. Don’t worry.

You should get this book in the link.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31H3hnwAktL.SS500.jpg

It has the Church teaching and the prayers listed and written out.

I have the older version, the Raccolta, which also has the prayers in latin, but this one is more updated.

That’s great that you feel so pulled to help the holy souls. It is a beautiful gift. Truly, many people have gotten away from teaching about the holy souls and so people neglect them.

Another (absolutely beautiful) book that is a great book for you, if you haven’t read it:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41MG4M09XZL.SS500.jpg

I’m still here. I think I broke CAF today. (just kidding, but it was weird). I responded to your post (it took me an hour), completed the spell-check, previewed it and then wanted to check one last thing and my post was again deleted. I was thrown off CAF and then off Internet Explorer, rebooted, and then found that the forum was down.

I have a few important questions to ask but now I have to wait until tomorrow. They are very important. You’ve really helped me a lot!

I’m waiting for a phone call. My sister has (I hope) completed the works required for the plenary indulgence for my husband. She completed most this morning but needed to receive the Eucharist. If he was in Purgatory and she did everything correctly he is now a saint. She said she would call me on her cell phone right after Mass.

Can this possibly be true? Everything I read states “yes” but my mind just reels at the thought of having so much power go through me from God to someone who has suffered so horribly and now may be spending eternity as a saint in Heaven. In a way I can’t believe that God would let us do this although I know He loves us and wants us to be with Him. I will never have to pray for the redemption of his soul again. I will never have to cry again because of the grief. I didn’t know how to help him before. I prayed for him but never knew if it was enough and I never got the feeling that it was. Maybe this will finally give me closure after all these years. But the important thing is that he, if this is all true, will be a saint. That is just so glorious!

 

[LittleSoldier]

And it is done. Thank You, God, for Your mercy and love. Thank You for allowing my sister and myself to share in Your glory. Thank You for Your Church. Thank You, especially, for Your sacrifice which opened the gates of Heaven.

I am overwhelmed by Your love.

 

[DihydrogenOxide]

And it is done. Thank You, God, for Your mercy and love. Thank You for allowing my sister and myself to share in Your glory. Thank You for Your Church. Thank You, especially, for Your sacrifice which opened the gates of Heaven.

I am overwhelmed by Your love.

I’m happy to hear that you understand.

One thing I suggest, still pray for him. You do not know for certain that he was released, so pray for him, anyway.

 

[LittleSoldier]

I’m happy to hear that you understand.

One thing I suggest, still pray for him. You do not know for certain that he was released, so pray for him, anyway.

Then I’m afraid I don’t understand.

If my husband was in Purgatory and my sister correctly completed all the acts and works necessary in order to obtain a plenary indulgence specifically for my husband, why would he not be released from Purgatory? The only reason I can think of is that my sister did not satisfactorily complete everything required. According to the website whose link is provided below, the most difficult of the acts is the repudiation of sin.

---

To acquire a plenary indulgence," says the Enchiridion, “it is necessary to perform the work to which the indulgence is attached and to fulfill the following three conditions: sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff. It is further required that all attachment to sin, even venial sin, be absent.”

The greatest hurdle is the last. Making a good confession is not particularly difficult, and going to Communion and praying for the Pope’s intentions are easier still. It’s being free from all attachment to sin that’s hard and it’s quite possible that even evidently good people, who seek plenary indulgences regularly, never, in their whole lives, obtain one, because they are unwilling to relinquish their favorite little sins.

There is an account of St. Philip Neri, who died in 1595, preaching a jubilee indulgence in a crowed church. A revelation was given to him that only two people in the church were actually getting it, an old char-woman and the saint himself.

catholic.org/clife/prayers/indulgc.php
(underlining added for emphasis by this poster)​

The saint received one and also an old char-woman. Two people.

Is this what you are referring to - that my sister was perhaps unable to repudiate sin? (I have to say that, in her defense, she is not unwilling to give up her “favorite little sins.” I found that comment from the website offensive. Nor am I unwilling to give up my “favorite little sins.” I have no “favorite little sins.” No sin is little and ALL sin is horrible. There are no exceptions.

If she DID repudiate sin successfully and completed the other requirements then hasn’t my husband left Purgatory? Wouldn’t he then be a saint and need no prayer, although I could certainly pray to him?

The problem I am running across is that there is so much conflicting information. Church teaching regarding plenary indulgences may be clear (I don’t know if that’s true) but certainly explanations of Church teaching are not clear. The following is from the New Advent website (under the heading of “What an Indulgence is Not”:

Least of all is an indulgence the purchase of a pardon which secures the buyer’s salvation or releases the soul of another from Purgatory. The absurdity of such notions must be obvious to any one who forms a correct idea of what the Catholic Church really teaches on this subject.​

The article also states:

God alone knows what penalty remains to be paid and what its precise amount is in severity and duration. Finally, some indulgences are granted in behalf of the living only, while others may be applied in behalf of the souls departed. It should be noted, however, that the application has not the same significance in both cases. The Church in granting an indulgence to the living exercises her jurisdiction; over the dead she has no jurisdiction and therefore makes the indulgence available for them by way of suffrage (per modum suffragii), i.e. she petitions God to accept these works of satisfaction and in consideration thereof to mitigate or shorten the sufferings of the souls in Purgatory.

newadvent.org/cathen/07783a.htm
(underlining added by this poster for emphasis)

Again, I don’t understand. The Church is the Body of Christ - the Church is God. How can the Church, as God, NOT have jurisdiction over the dead? ​

So - can one never be sure (while one is living) that a plenary indulgence has indeed been obtained for a person in Purgatory (sans being told by Jesus that it has been)? I guess I should also ask if one can never be sure if a plenary indulgence requested for oneself is granted.

Why would God allow me to be so confused? Would God ask me to do the impossible? How much do I have to hate sin in order to hate sin? What about unconscious processes over which I have no control? And what of being so scrupulous that I end up hiding in a little room, so afraid of sinning and offending God that I remove myself from the world (which He created in love)?

If I keep repudiating sin over and over will I get better at repudiating sin? How can I possibly know when I have totally repudiated sin?

I knew that what I had thought was just too easy. Maybe learning and becoming frustrated and sad is part of what is necessary. Maybe this is part of the work that is needed, even though that hasn’t been stated anywhere that I have seen.

I will respond to your last post later; what is written in the post I’ve responded to here is of more importance to me right now.

I appreciate your help. I know I’m at the beginning of what I will be doing for the rest of my life. I know that it is difficult to understand. I know that if there is one chance in a billion that the acts completed by my sister for my late husband were sufficient to grant him entrance into Heaven than it is worth it. I know that, even if a plenary indulgence was not granted, what was done was good and is certainly looked upon with favor by God and that, as these acts were good, the world is now a less-evil place.

(I’m sorry this is such a long post).

 

[DihydrogenOxide]

Then I’m afraid I don’t understand.

If she DID repudiate sin successfully and completed the other requirements then hasn’t my husband left Purgatory? Wouldn’t he then be a saint and need no prayer, although I could certainly pray to him?

Least of all is an indulgence the purchase of a pardon which secures the buyer’s salvation or releases the soul of another from Purgatory. The absurdity of such notions must be obvious to any one who forms a correct idea of what the Catholic Church really teaches on this subject.

It could have to do with attachment to sin. You see, we cannot know if God has allowed that plenary indulgence to be applied to a certain poor soul. Some souls are, in essence, blocked from being prayed for,for a time, by reason of reparation for their certain sins. You’ll read more about it in the purgatory book for which I posted the link. Yes, if God deigns the person worthy of acceptance of the indulgence, he will allow that it be applied, but you cannot presume this.

You must never presume that any one person is released. The faulty thinking is because, that person may have had to remain in purgatory while the indulgence was given to another soul. If you stop praying for that person, they may be in purgatory for a long time without prayer, without you knowing.

New Advent Encyclopedia was referring to the act of simony, which is a sin. It has nothing to do with what you were trying to accomplish.

The Church in granting an indulgence to the living exercises her jurisdiction; over the dead she has no jurisdiction and therefore makes the indulgence available for them by way of suffrage (per modum suffragii), i.e. she petitions God to accept these works of satisfaction and in consideration thereof to mitigate or shorten the sufferings of the souls in Purgatory.

Again, I don’t understand. The Church is the Body of Christ - the Church is God. How can the Church, as God, NOT have jurisdiction over the dead?

There are 3 parts of the Church: The Church Militant, the Church Suffering, the Church Triumphant.
Once you die, you are judged, and the time to change is over. You are in God’s hands for punishment. That’s the difference. While still on Earth, you can pray for your own good, but once you die, you can no longer make amends for what was done.

The Church is not equivalent to God. The Church is the Spouse of Christ. When we are on Earth, we do not see God for who He is as we will when we die. You are receiving your just punishment after you die. In order to get into heaven, “every penny must be paid”.

So - can one never be sure (while one is living) that a plenary indulgence has indeed been obtained for a person in Purgatory (sans being told by Jesus that it has been)? I guess I should also ask if one can never be sure if a plenary indulgence requested for oneself is granted.

Why would God allow me to be so confused? Would God ask me to do the impossible? How much do I have to hate sin in order to hate sin?

You can be sure, if you offered it for a soul in purgatory to be released that one of the many souls in purgatory will be freed from his/her torments. When that soul is free, it will be in the most beautiful ecstasy and will never forget you for you kindness. It will always pray for you. Any plenary indulgence asked for oneself, if all the requirements are fulfilled will be done.

God doesn’t want you to be confused. I’m here to help you.
God would never ask you to do something that He wanted you to do, that you could not do. Don’t be scrupulous. Just try hard not to sin, as all catholics are expected to do. If you sin, you sin. Like anything else, you go to confession. Even if you commit a mortal sin on the same day after you finished fulfilling the requirements to attain a plenary indulgence, it’s not going to take it back. Just go to confession so you can take communion and try again next time. You aren’t required to be perfect. You are just required to make the effort.

If I keep repudiating sin over and over will I get better at repudiating sin? How can I possibly know when I have totally repudiated sin?

This is being scrupulous. Don’t worry so much about it. Do what you’ve been trying to do for the longest time. Try not to sin.

I knew that what I had thought was just too easy. Maybe learning and becoming frustrated and sad is part of what is necessary. Maybe this is part of the work that is needed, even though that hasn’t been stated anywhere that I have seen.

Don’t be sad or frustrated. It’s not as hard as you’re making it out to be.

I will respond to your last post later; what is written in the post I’ve responded to here is of more importance to me right now.

You will never not do good by offering a plenary indulgence, or any indulgence or prayers for the holy souls. Prayer always helps. They thank you for every thing you do. They finished their earthly lives and all they want is to be out of the fires and ice and be with God. They are so happy for your help.

You’re very welcome. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

 

[LittleSoldier]

Many thanks for your help! I feel better.

Funny thing about that book on Purgatory. I gave that book to my sister for Christmas! It was on her wish list along with several other books and I picked that one and another because of their prices so I could receive free shipping. I drop-shipped them to her and forgot the titles. All I remembered was that I had bought her two books.

She’s had that book for much less than a month.

She has ordered the Manual of Indulgences - the most current edition. It was the last one on Amazon and she got it, although she hasn’t received it yet. There was nothing about more manuals soon to be in stock.

I’ve bought an older edition of the Manual of Indulgences and the book on Purgatory (and threw in a book on hell). All these books are disappearing. Two of the older Manuals were bought in one or two days. I’m glad you recommended it because we all know what happens when books become rare.

It’s just kind of weird (and wonderful) that my sister and I managed to get those books so easily. We’re doing this together.

You’re right about scrupulosity. I have to watch that because I can get trapped there. I have a personal abhorrence against lying and I wrote a post last night, believing that what I wrote was true, and this morning realized that it wasn’t all quite true and that I had omitted part of the truth. The post is not about Church teaching, it’s not about anything important, it’s off-topic, and yet for a moment or two I thought about posting an addendum in order to make sure that my post would be absolutely true. Then I thought that I hadn’t sinned because I did believe my post was correct when I wrote it and then I thought that not correcting it would be a sin because it would allow something that wasn’t true to appear as true. And then I wondered if my thought about not sinning was simply a rationalization to allow myself to let an untrue statement to appear as truth because I didn’t want to keep posting on and on about something that really makes no difference which would not only hijack the thread but embarrass me but lying is a sin.

THAT is being scrupulous.

I’ll be careful.

I have some specific questions but my puppy was just very sick and I have to uh, do some cleaning. Thanks again!

 

[LittleSoldier]

It could have to do with attachment to sin. You see, we cannot know if God has allowed that plenary indulgence to be applied to a certain poor soul. Some souls are, in essence, blocked from being prayed for,for a time, by reason of reparation for their certain sins. You’ll read more about it in the purgatory book for which I posted the link. Yes, if God deigns the person worthy of acceptance of the indulgence, he will allow that it be applied, but you cannot presume this.

You must never presume that any one person is released. The faulty thinking is because, that person may have had to remain in purgatory while the indulgence was given to another soul. If you stop praying for that person, they may be in purgatory for a long time without prayer, without you knowing.

I haven’t received my books yet. Amazon is being amazingly slow with shipping; usually they’re very fast. I do have some questions:

Why would the indulgence be given to another soul? If one completes the requirements for a plenary indulgence that is not applied to the soul requested, is it applied as a plenary indulgence to another soul? Does every plenary indulgence result in a soul being released from Purgatory?

Also, what about the Prayer of St. Gertrude? If a thousand souls are released from Purgatory every time this prayer is said it seems to me there wouldn’t be any souls left! I would be saying this prayer every waking minute and devoutly, too. I can’t find out anything about this prayer except something like “Jesus said that if this prayer is said, one thousand souls are released from Purgatory.” I’m assuming He allegedly said this to St. Gertrude. I believe that is private revelation and may not be Church teaching.

Do you know anything about this?

New Advent Encyclopedia was referring to the act of simony, which is a sin. It has nothing to do with what you were trying to accomplish.

OK, thank you. That is actually trying to buy an indulgence with money. I was confused by the wording.

There are 3 parts of the Church: The Church Militant, the Church Suffering, the Church Triumphant.
Once you die, you are judged, and the time to change is over. You are in God’s hands for punishment. That’s the difference. While still on Earth, you can pray for your own good, but once you die, you can no longer make amends for what was done.

The Church is not equivalent to God. The Church is the Spouse of Christ. When we are on Earth, we do not see God for who He is as we will when we die. You are receiving your just punishment after you die. In order to get into heaven, “every penny must be paid”.

But the bible states that the Church is the Body of Christ. If she is the Body of Christ she is God. Isn’t she?

You can be sure, if you offered it for a soul in purgatory to be released that one of the many souls in purgatory will be freed from his/her torments. When that soul is free, it will be in the most beautiful ecstasy and will never forget you for you kindness. It will always pray for you. Any plenary indulgence asked for oneself, if all the requirements are fulfilled will be done.

Please see above questions.

 

[DihydrogenOxide]

Why would the indulgence be given to another soul? If one completes the requirements for a plenary indulgence that is not applied to the soul requested, is it applied as a plenary indulgence to another soul? Does every plenary indulgence result in a soul being released from Purgatory?

Yes, if you fulfill the requirements.

Also, what about the Prayer of St. Gertrude?

I believe the prayer of St. Gertrude was for her alone. There are very many souls in purgatory. I am not entirely certain that it releases 1000 souls for everyone. It never, ever hurts to pray, though. If I could help release 100 souls in my lifetime, I’d be ecstatic.

But the bible states that the Church is the Body of Christ. If she is the Body of Christ she is God. Isn’t she?

No. The Church is not God, just as we are not God, even though we are called to be one with His will.

Here is a good reference material to the meaning behind the Body of Christ:

Mystici Corporis Christi, and encyclical of Pope Pius XII

 

[Vico]

I am very excited because tomorrow I can, if I am able and with God’s grace, attend a special program at our church that is offered once a month. It consists of the Rosary, Mass, Confession, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and Benediction. I’ve been excited all week and can hardly wait. This will be the first time that I will be doing this but I hope to do it every month.

I know that if I attend Mass and receive the Holy Eucharist, go to Confession (and confess every sin, even if they are venial sins), and adore and meditate on the Blessed Sacrament for 1/2 hour (with a prayer for the intentions of the Pope) that I will receive a plenary indulgence.

But now I’ve read that I can receive a plenary indulgence for the following:

Recite the rosary (15 decades, or 5 decades without interruption and add devout meditation on the mysteries) in a church, oratory or recite in a family, religious community or pious association.

plenary-indulgences.webs.com/

I know that I am limited to one plenary indulgence per day (and that one Confession will count toward more than one plenary indulgence).

My question is:

When I have read that I can receive only one plenary indulgence per day it is left at that. It makes sense because I would only need one plenary indulgence at a time - for myself. But there is someone I love very much and I very recently found out that I can say a plenary indulgence for him. It is my husband. He passed away many years ago when he was 26 and I fear for the state of his soul as he took his own life. Although I’ve prayed for him I’ve felt somewhat helpless as to how to help him beyond that.

Is is possible to receive a plenary indulgence for myself and a plenary indulgence for a person in Purgatory on the same day? I have a feeling the answer is “no” but I’m not sure.

If I can’t, of course I will receive one for him first and then wait a month for mine. I don’t want him to suffer at all and I wish I had known about this all those years ago. I know he may be in hell or he may be in heaven. If he’s in hell, I can’t help him. If he’s in heaven, I don’t need to. But if he’s in Purgatory I need and want to help him in every way possible.

Can anyone help me with this? Thank you so much.

It is limited (except for Holy Healing of the Sick) to one per day, but that one per day requires Holy Communion, etc., but one sacrament of Holy Penance may suffice for about 41 plenary indulgences, because the Vatican has clarified that one confession is good for about 20 days before or after the indulgenced act. There is one plenary indulgence that is easy to obtain every day, which does not require others, and that is the Stations of the Cross, or 1/2 reverence study of an approved Bible. Note that the prayer is vocal prayer, meaning at least audible to oneself (with exceptions for the deaf and dumb).

 

[LittleSoldier]

It is limited (except for Holy Healing of the Sick) to one per day, but that one per day requires Holy Communion, etc., but one sacrament of Holy Penance may suffice for about 41 plenary indulgences, because the Vatican has clarified that one confession is good for about 20 days before or after the indulgenced act. There is one plenary indulgence that is easy to obtain every day, which does not require others, and that is the Stations of the Cross, or 1/2 reverence study of an approved Bible. Note that the prayer is vocal prayer, meaning at least audible to oneself (with exceptions for the deaf and dumb).

What I have been told (and this has been verified by a priest) is that a Confession is good for seven days before and seven days after the act. I think there may be some confusion about this. I just received the *Manual of Indulgences *and I will check to see if it is in there.

When I found out about reading Scripture I was very happy. I love to read Scripture anyway. I always read slowly, I feel calm, and I know that what I am reading is true, even if my faith is very weak at times (I don’t know how to explain this). I have not read most of the Bible. I have been stuck at Noah for a very long time. This is an opportunity to read the Word of God, not only for my good and my education, but to help someone who desperately needs help.

So I am going to read the New Testament first.

Thank you.

 

[Vico]

What I have been told (and this has been verified by a priest) is that a Confession is good for seven days before and seven days after the act. I think there may be some confusion about this. I just received the *Manual of Indulgences *and I will check to see if it is in there.

When I found out about reading Scripture I was very happy. I love to read Scripture anyway. I always read slowly, I feel calm, and I know that what I am reading is true, even if my faith is very weak at times (I don’t know how to explain this). I have not read most of the Bible. I have been stuck at Noah for a very long time. This is an opportunity to read the Word of God, not only for my good and my education, but to help someone who desperately needs help.

So I am going to read the New Testament first.

Thank you.

Me too, it is very helpful. Please put your mind at ease for there is an authoritative statement *-- given in Rome at the offices of the Apostolic Penitentiary, 29 January 2000 – which says “several days (about 20) before or after”:4. 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);
— pray for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff.

1. It is appropriate, but not necessary, that the sacramental Confession and especially Holy Communion and the prayer for the Pope’s intentions take place on the same day that the indulgenced work is performed; but it is sufficient that these sacred rites and prayers be carried out within several days (about 20) before or after the indulgenced act. Prayer for the Pope’s intentions is left to the choice of the faithful, but an “Our Father” and a “Hail Mary” are suggested.

vatican.va/roman_curia/tribunals/apost_penit/documents/rc_trib_appen_pro_20000129_indulgence_en.html

 

[DihydrogenOxide]

Me too, it is very helpful. Please put your mind at ease for there is an authoritative statement *-- given in Rome at the offices of the Apostolic Penitentiary, 29 January 2000 – which says “several days (about 20) before or after”:4. 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);
— pray for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff.

vatican.va/roman_curia/tribunals/apost_penit/documents/rc_trib_appen_pro_20000129_indulgence_en.html

I believe she is asking specifically about the Heroic Act of Charity, in which you can offer multiple indulgences daily for the poor souls.

 

[LittleSoldier]

Yes, if you fulfill the requirements.

That is SO wonderful! I thought that I must have read what you had written incorrectly.

I believe the prayer of St. Gertrude was for her alone. There are very many souls in purgatory. I am not entirely certain that it releases 1000 souls for everyone. It never, ever hurts to pray, though. If I could help release 100 souls in my lifetime, I’d be ecstatic.

Thanks. That makes sense and I hadn’t thought about that. All I cold find was “Jesus said…” which was frustrating.

No. The Church is not God, just as we are not God, even though we are called to be one with His will.

Here is a good reference material to the meaning behind the Body of Christ:

Mystici Corporis Christi, and encyclical of Pope Pius XII

Thank you again. I will check this out. I received my books and noticed that the book on hell was written by the same person who wrote the book on Purgatory. The only priest at our parish went on vacation this week. The last time I was able to receive the Eucharist was at Mass last Saturday. Confession is held before Mass. I probably won’t be able to get in as there is only 1/2 hour allowed and there will be lots of people waiting. I can’t go to the priest in the next parish because it is the same priest!

So I may have to start over on my own plenary indulgence. Sometimes it’s hard to live in a little town that has one Catholic church, and which shares its one priest with another parish twenty miles away. We’re also in the middle of a huge storm which has been going on for days. I may not be able to make it to Mass because of the weather, my medication, and because I’m always ill (I will be ill until I die). I’ve tried to have the Eucharist brought to me but it was only brought once. I need to make sure that the people in the parish office know that I need it and want it as often as possible.

The priest is simply too busy to come see me for Confession. It is a real problem here and it’s worse in the other parish. I can’t have a spiritual director. I haven’t been able to be enrolled for the Brown Scapular although I have been wearing it for at least a month. The priest is foreign and doesn’t understand what I need. I’m praying that we will be able to get over our problems in communication. He is a very good man but his accent is very thick.

Sorry; I strayed off-topic there. I will do the best I can do. If I can help in any way I will do so. I know a little bit about longing and despair and I don’t want anyone to go through that. At the very least, the prayers I say and the pain I offer up must help.

 

[Vico]

I believe she is asking specifically about the Heroic Act of Charity, in which you can offer multiple indulgences daily for the poor souls.

All indulgences other than those currently approved were eliminated, beginning in 1967. People are still reading about some of them from older statements, and no doubt hope to obtain them.

Norm 6 in 1967 was:

n. 6—A plenary indulgence can be acquired only once a day, except for the provisions contained in n. 18 for those who are on the point of death. A partial indulgence can be acquired more than once a day, unless there is an explicit indication to the contrary.

Today it reads:

n. 18 – 1. A plenary indulgence can be acquired only once in the course of a day; a partial indulgence can be acquired multiple times. – 2. The faithful however can obtain the plenary indulgence at the hour of death, even if they have already gained one on the same day. (p. 17 Manual of Indulgences USCCB 2006)