The Plenary Indulgence of Holy Week

What is an indulgence?

"An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints." - Canon 992

How do I earn an indulgence?

  • First, be in a state of grace and have the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin, even venial sin.
  • Make a sacramental Confession within 20 days before or after (though before is preferable)
  • Receive the Holy Eucharist.
  • Pray for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff. The choice of prayer for the Pope's intentions is left to the choice of the faithful, but an "Our Father" and a "Hail Mary" are suggested.

Holy Thursday

Eucharistic Adoration & Procession

A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who

  • Visit the Blessed Sacrament for adoration lasting at least half an hour; OR
  • Piously recite the verses of the Tantum ergo after the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday during the solemn reposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who

  • Visit the Blessed sacrament for adoration; OR
  • Offer any duly approved prayer to Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament (e.g. the Adoro te devote, the prayer O sacrum convivium, or the Tantum ergo.

Good Friday

In Memory of the Passion and Death of the Lord

A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who

  • Devoutly assist at the adoration of the Cross in the solemn liturgical action of Good Friday; OR
  • Personally make the pious Way of the Cross, or devoutly unite themselves to the Way of the Cross while it is being led by the Supreme Pontiff and broadcast live on television or radio [or internet].

Conditions for this plenary indulgence:

  1. The Stations must be legitimately erected.
  2. There must be the 14 customary Stations.
  3. There should be devotional readings and vocal prayers for each station.
  4. If possible, movement from station to station should be made, but it is not necessary.

Easter Vigil & Easter Sunday

At Mass: Eucharistic and Spiritual Communion

A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who

  • Receive Holy Communion for the first time or devoutly assist at the first Holy Communion of others.

A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who

  • Make an act of spiritual communion; OR
  • Make an act of thanksgiving after communion (e.g. the Anima Christi)

At Mass: Profession of Faith

A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who

  • Renew their baptismal vows at the celebration of the Easter Vigil in any legitimately approved formula

Papal Blessing

A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who

  • Receive a blessing imparted by the Supreme Pontiff to Rome (Urbi et Orbi), either in person or remotely, provided that they follow it devoutly as it is broadcast live by television or radio [or internet}.