Indulgences are a profound and significant aspect of Catholic theology, closely linked to the sacrament of penance. They represent the Church's ability to dispense the treasury of merits accumulated by Christ and the saints, in order to remit the temporal punishment due to sins that have already been forgiven.
The Church is the "minister of redemption" and has the authority to dispense and apply indulgences to the faithful. Indulgences are not a means of simply buying one's way out of punishment. Rather, they are an expression of the Church's confidence in the Father's mercy, and a recognition that the merits of Christ and the saints applied to the faithful to mitigate the painful aspect of punishment and foster a "medicinal" purpose.
Indulgences can be either partial or plenary. A partial indulgence removes only a portion of the temporal punishment due to sin, while a plenary indulgence removes all of it. Indulgences can be applied either to the living or to the faithful departed, who receive the fruits of the indulgence in a way appropriate to their condition.
Some examples of indulgences include: visits to the Blessed Sacrament for adoration lasting at least a half hour grant a plenary indulgence. A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who visit the Blessed Sacrament for adoration and offer any duly approved prayer in the presence of the Most Blessed Sacrament (e.g., Adoro te devote, O Sacrum Convivium or the Tantum ergo).
Another important opportunity occurs at the point of death. A priest, who administers the sacrament of anointing of the sick and viaticum, can impart the apostolic blessing to which a plenary indulgence is attached.
These are just three examples of occasions when an indulgence can be imparted to the faithful. There are, however, so many other occasions available to the faithful that can be found in the Handbook of Indulgences.
What requirements are necessary
to receive an indulgence?
• The first is proper disposition, where the faithful must be in a state of grace and have the intention of gaining the indulgence for themselves or for the souls in purgatory.
• Second, the faithful must adhere to the prescribed conditions as defined by the Church. These typically include performing specific prayers, acts of devotion or works of mercy.
• Third, the faithful must receive the sacramental confession and Holy Communion. This helps the faithful to be properly disposed and to participate in the Church's treasury of merits.
• Fourth, the faithful must offer prayers for the Intentions of the Holy Father. This is done by praying the Our Father, Hail Mary and the Glory Be.
• Fifth, the faithful must have at least a general intention to avoid committing sin in the future and to make reparation for past sins.
By Fr. Richard D. Breton Jr.