From the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Mercy on December 8, 2015, until its end on November 20, 2016, an opportunity is given for the faithful to receive a Plenary Indulgence, decreed by Pope Francis and with the pastoral intention of Bishop Kevin J. Farrell, D. D., Bishop of Dallas. Throughout the Diocese of Dallas, Catholics should follow the guidelines, below, in order to obtain remission from all temporal punishment due to sin.
What is a Plenary Indulgence?
Temporal punishment can be thought of as a type of “penalty” that remains even after sacramental confession. Some type of restorative, purifying “process” can take place either in this life or in purgatory. Because the baptized are members of the Communion of Saints, some or all of the temporal punishment for sin is removed by the Plenary Indulgence, and any remaining restoration/reparation happens when we exchange holiness with one another. Although some may need to deal with the personal guilt that occasionally lingers after forgiveness, we can see the work of God’s grace as we pray and do good works to become better Christians. Also, it is possible to obtain a Plenary Indulgence for oneself or for one who is already deceased, so that the deceased person’s “time” in Purgatory can be reduced.
What is the source of a Plenary Indulgence?
The source of a Plenary Indulgence is Christ himself, the saints and martyrs, and the Church’s treasury of spiritual goods that is unending and inexhaustible.
How to obtain a Plenary Indulgence during the Jubilee Year of Mercy
- Visit the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, entering through the Doors of Mercy, plus receiving the designated sacraments and praying the prescribed prayers (listed below) OR
- Practice the Corporal and/or Spiritual Works of Mercy, plus receiving the designated sacraments and praying the prescribed prayers (listed below).
Receive the Sacrament of Penance (make a sacramental confession), then shortly thereafter, receive Holy Communion during a celebration of the Eucharist, and finally pray for the intentions of the Holy Father, and pray the Creed (Nicene or Apostles’).
Those who are in prison or jail may receive the Plenary Indulgence if they attend Mass during the Jubilee Year of Mercy and receive the designated sacraments and pray the prescribed prayers.
Those who are sick in hospitals or homebound with illness, and who receive Holy Communion OR view the Mass on television, may receive the Plenary Indulgence.
The Spiritual Works of Mercy |
The Corporal Works of Mercy |
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The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
The Nicene Creed
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
The Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
At the words that follow, up to and including and became man, all bow.
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins,
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
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Published for the Jubilee Year of Mercy for the People of God in the Diocese of Dallas by the Office of Worship, beginning December 8, 2015