for at least half an hour, devout reading of the Sacred Scriptures for at least
half an hour, or praying the Rosary in a church, public oratory or family
group; (ii) sacramental confession; (iii) Eucharistic communion, and (iv)
prayer for the Pope’s intentions. The last three conditions may be fulfilled
several days before or after the performance of the prescribed work.
However, it is fitting that communion is received and the prayer for the
Pope’s intentions is said on the same day the work is performed. If any of
these conditions is not fulfilled, the indulgence gained will only be partial.
A partial indulgence is gained by any of the faithful who:
(i)
in the performance of their duties and bearing the trials of life,
raise their mind with humble confidence to God, adding some
pious invocation;
(ii)
in a spirit of faith and mercy, give of themselves or of their
goods to serve their brothers in need;
(iii)
in a spirit of penance, voluntarily deprive themselves of what is
licit and pleasing to them.¹
Works which can be performed for partial indulgences include the
recitation of any of the following prayers: Profession of Faith, De
Profundis, Magnificat, Sub Tuum Praesidium, Memorare, Salve Regina,
Grace before and after meals, Adoro Te Devote, Angelus, Anima Christi,
Te Deum, the Litanies, the Sign of the Cross—or, indeed, any prayer.
Indulgences are, therefore, a great aid to true devotion, fostering a spirit of
prayer and sacrifice in the name of Christ, not just for one’s own benefit,
but for the benefit of all the faithful.
The charge that Catholics see indulgences as a means of buying their way
into heaven is utterly without foundation. Anti-Catholics exploiting the
ignorance of both Catholics and non-Catholics normally make such a
charge. First, as indulgences relate only to the remission of temporal
punishment, they have nothing to do with remitting eternal punishment in
hell. Only God’s forgiveness following true sorrow for sin can achieve that.
Neither are indulgences permissions to commit or pardons in advance for
1
Enchiridion of Indulgences: Norms and Grants, Vatican City, 1968, 1999.
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