A Diocesan Synod

An indulgence is attached to the work: A DIOCESAN SYNOD

For Who: Anyone

For When: During a Synod

For Where: The Church where a Synod is Celebrated

Partial or Plenary: Plenary

As written in the Manuel of Indulgences, under Grant 31:

31

A DIOCESAN SYNOD

A plenary indulgence is granted a single time to the faithful who, during a diocesan synod, devoutly visit the church in which the synod is celebrated and there recite an Our Father and the Creed.

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So, a PLENARY Indulgence is granted to those who, in addition to fulfilling all the other requirements, visit the church where a synod is celebrated and they say an Our Father and the Creed.

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A PARTIAL Indulgence, though not explicitly mentioned, is assumed to be granted to those who attempt to gain a plenary indulgence but they fail to obtain it. Some examples of what this may look like are:

1) Though applicable in every other way, this indulgence has already been gained once

2) The Our Father is recited, but not the Creed (or visa versa)

3) The other conditions necessary to gain a Plenary Indulgence are less than fulfilled.

4) One’s state of heart is contrite, but not fully detached from affections towards sin.

5) Though qualifiable in every other way, a Plenary Indulgence has already been obtained for that day in another way.

These are some instances that would lead to a partial indulgence, either by choice or by accident.

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Examining further, please allow me to address portions of this indulgence so that we may ponder deeper as to what are reasonable perimeters and expectations to have as we attempt to gain this indulgence:

Addressing “a single time”

This indulgence may be gained a single time during a diocesan synod. So this indulgence can not be gained a second time during that same diocesan synod. But, that’s not to say that this indulgence can not be gained again when another synod starts up.

I do wonder if this is meant to reference one’s own personal diocese too, meaning that if one was to go visit and participate in another parish’s synod celebration, would this indulgence still be available to the visitor. It don’t say anything against attending other diocesan synods, so I would act off of that assumption unless stated otherwise.

Addressing “diocesan synod”

Different from the larger Synods, when the bishops of the whole world are congregated under the presidency of the pope, a diocesan synod is orchestrated under a single bishop of a single diocese. "Synod" is a greek word that means "meeting."

In an article presented by Catholic Answers, this definition is provided: Synod, (Gr. sunodos, an assembly), is a general term for ecclesiastical gatherings under hierarchical authority, for the discussion and decision of matters relating to faith, morals, or discipline.

To paraphrase in my own words: a Synod is a structured event (usually broken down into a series of events, sometimes streached out over a long lenght of time) where the aim is to assist the bishop with feedback on how to best impliment faith practices within the diocese (both the Catholic community and even to the non-Catholic community). This is done by participants learning about, praying over, decerning, and sharing ideas.

Addressing “devoutly visit”

Although the perimeters of what a “visit” is is not detailed, it is somewhat understood that a ‘visit’ would require being at least physical present within the physical boarders of a respective location; this particular church in this instance. Coming into close proximity, but not actually coming into contact with property attached or designated a location (like a business parking lot that’s across the road, or driving by and shooting up a quick prayer) would not fulfill this requirement.

Addressing “synod is celebrated”

Although a synod can take place in multiple locations and over multiple days it appears that there is often/always an ‘opening Mass’ celebrated to begin the Synod process. I would speculate that this is what is meant for this part of the Grant.

However, also in my research I’ve come across synod agendas that directs attending persons to a church location for part or all of the synod activities. Not for a Mass, but as a venue to continue discussions. I’m not entirely sure whether or not these churches would also be considered a “church in which the synod is celebrated.” I guess, why not?

Addressing “the Our Father and the Creed”

This is a common condition found in several Grants. Many Grants say to visit a church and recite the Our Father and the Creed, and certainly if that’s all you did, (step foot at an applicable church or oratory and recite these prayers) that would fulfill the required work. However, let us remember that during the Mass and often in other celebrations we say the Our Father and the Creed naturally. So, because in indulgences aspects of the Mass can be broken down into parts of a whole, It is the understanding that if we step foot at an applicable church or oratory, and we remain for the Mass (or ceremony) and say these prayers within that context, that will totally satisfy the work/Grant.