Plenary and Partial Indulgences

THE YEAR OF THE PRIEST-

Divine Mercy Eucharist: The Year of the Priest Series Icon.

Welcome to my 'Year of the Priest' Series. Each week until end of June 2010, this series will provide food for thought on the Year of the Priest’, examine how we, as laity, can appreciate the gift of Priesthood in the Sacrament of Holy Orders, and encourage our priests in this special year.

On the Feast of the Sacred Heart-19 June, Pope Benedict XVI inaugurated the Year of the Priest from this feast of the Sacred Heart to the feast of the Sacred Heart in 2010. Pope Benedict has declared this new year long focus for the Church because he has discerned an area of the Church's life that requires special attention, reflection and prayer as he discerned previously in the Year of St Paul and the Year of the Eucharist.

How to make use of God's grace: Plenary and Partial Indulgences

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (Paragraph 1498) states:

"Through indulgences the faithful can obtain the remission of temporal punishment resulting from sin for themselves and also for the souls in Purgatory". 

CONDITIONS TO RECEIVE INDULGENCES

Pope Benedict XVI listed a number of both plenary and partial indulgences that may be obtained during the Year of the Priest to assist the laity in the exercise of prayer for priests.

Plenary indulgences may be sought on

• Feast of St John Vianney (Aug 4 2009)
• First Thursday of each month during the Year of the Priest
• The conclusion of the Year of the Priest- Feast of the Sacred Heart- 19 June 2010.

We may also seek partial indulgences each time we devoutly recite:

• 5 Our Fathers
• 5 Hail Mary's
• Glory Be's.

As we devoutly recite these above prayers, we need to pray them in honour of the Sacred Heart of Jesus with the intention that priest be preserved in purity and holiness of life.

To receive a plenary indulgence there are special requirements that need to be fulfilled.

1. To attend and spiritually participate at Mass and receive Jesus in Holy Communion
2. To say prayers for the pope's intentions.
3. To receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on the above feasts mentioned or within a week either side of the feast.

Naturally, if you wish to receive a plenary or partial indulgence, disposition of heart is important, that is, the desire to love God and to have a repentant heart by desiring not to sin anymore.

This is one way we can participate in the Year of the Priest and discover and enhance our Catholic faith to be the person God wants us to be.

Keep you posted on other ways we can participate in the Year of the Priest.

How are you participating?