Plenary Indulgences
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In proclaiming the Special Year of St. Francis, Pope Leo XIV announced that an indulgence would be available to the faithful during the Jubilee Year.
A plenary indulgence is a grace granted by the Catholic Church through the merits of Jesus Christ. It removes the temporal punishment due to sin. While we receive forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the effects of sin can remain. A plenary indulgence heals that wound by removing all temporal punishment from sin; a partial indulgence removes some.
How can we receive a plenary indulgence?
To receive a plenary indulgence, you must intend to gain the indulgence, be in a state of grace, and perform the prescribed work or action.
General conditions to receive a plenary indulgence include:
Receive the Sacrament of Confession, usually within seven days before or after performing the prescribed work.
Receive Holy Communion, usually on the day of performing the prescribed work.
Pray for the intentions of the Holy Father, usually by reciting an Our Father and a Hail Mary.
Be completely detached from our sins (including venial sins).
Prescribed actions during the Jubilee Year of St. Francis
In his decree granting an indulgence during the Jubilee Year, Pope Leo XIV outlined several possible actions. The decree can be read here, and a summary appears below.
Undertake a pious pilgrimage to a church named for St. Francis
The faithful may obtain the Jubilee indulgence by making a pilgrimage, with a spirit detached from sin, to any Franciscan conventual church or place of worship named for St. Francis or connected to him. During the visit, they should devoutly follow the Jubilee rites or spend a suitable period of time in prayer and meditation. The prayers should conclude with the Our Father, the Creed, and invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare, and all the saints of the Franciscan Family.
The Diocese of Portland has one church named for St. Francis of Assisi in Belfast, as well as the Franciscan Monastery in Kennebunk. Bishop Ruggieri has also designated St. Mary of the Visitation Church in Houlton as a pilgrimage site.
What if I am unable to take the above actions due to age or illness?
The elderly, the sick, those who care for them, and all who are unable to leave their homes for serious reasons may also obtain the plenary indulgence. They must be detached from sin, intend to fulfill the general conditions as soon as possible, and spiritually join in the Jubilee celebrations of the Year of St. Francis by offering their prayers to the Merciful God.