First Masses and Jubilees

First Masses and Jubilees

An indulgence is attached to the work: A PRIEST’S FIRST MASS AND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS OF ORDINATION

For Who: Priests, Bishops, Anyone

For When: A First Mass; 25th, 50th, 60th, and 70th anniversaries of one’s priestly ordination; 25th, 40th, 50th, anniversaries one’s episcopal [bishop] ordination

For Where: Within a Mass, Anywhere

Partial or Plenary: Plenary

As written in the Manuel of Indulgences, under Grant 27:

27

A PRIEST’S FIRST MASS AND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS OF ORDINATION

1. §1  A plenary indulgence is granted to1° a priest celebrating his first Mass before the people on a chosen day; 2° the faithful who devoutly assist at such a Mass.

2. §2  Similarly, a plenary indulgence is granted to1° priests celebrating the twenty-fifth, fiftieth, sixtieth, and seventieth anniversary of their priestly ordinations, who renew before God their promise of faithfully fulfilling the duties of their vocation;2° bishops celebrating the twenty-fifth, fortieth, and fiftieth anniversaries of their episcopal ordination, who renew before God their promise of faithfully fulfilling the duties of their office;3° the faithful who devoutly assist at jubilee Mass celebrations.

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So, a PLENARY Indulgence is granted to those who, in addition to fulfilling all the other requirements, devoutly assist (aka, attend or participate) at a priest’s first public Mass or who assist at a Jubilee Mass of a priest or bishop. A PLENARY Indulgence is also available to priests and bishops who renew their promises to fulfill their office on certain anniversaries.

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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) A priest or bishop renews their promises on an alternative anniversary

2) The faithful assist at a jubilee celebration that is not a true Mass

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 “First Mass”

Once a priest is ordained only then is he able to celebrate Masses. An article written by the Arlington Diocese addresses this further:

In most dioceses, the day after a priest is ordained (or soon after), he celebrates the first Mass where he is the main celebrant. He may also celebrate one or more “Masses of Thanksgiving” in churches or chapels of particular significance to him (for example, the chapel of his college campus ministry).

Addressing “assist”

Mentioned here and in other indulgences; to “assist” simply means to partake in. One may “assist” by simple attendance, participation, or actually assisting at the event if taking on a key roll.

Addressing “ordination”

As defined by Catholic sources: Ordination is the sacramental ceremony in which a man becomes a deacon, priest, or bishop and enabled to minister in Christ's name and that of the Church. There are three ordinations in the Sacrament of Holy Orders: diaconate; priesthood; and episcopal.

Addressing “anniversary”

Certain ordination anniversaries are outlined by this indulgence. Similar to anniversaries of marriage, some anniversaries are considered to be more significant milestones then others. The 25th, 50th, 60th, and 70th anniversaries of a priestly ordination are considered to be these significant anniversaries while the 25th, 40th, 50th, anniversaries are outlined for an episcopal [bishop’s] ordination.

Note, the episcopal anniversaries are numerically lower (ranging from 25-50 rather then 25-70). This is because these men are usually older by the time they become bishops.

Addressing “renew before God their promise”

When a man is ordained as a priest, and then a bishop, during the ordination they profess several statements/promises that are intrinsic to taking on their new roll. These professions are likely what is being referred to in this indulgence. Here I have linked the Order of Episcopal Services for PRIESTS and BISHOPS. Under the portion titled “The Examination” we see what questions and responses are addressed to the priest-elect/bishop-elect during their ordinations.

Priests are asked:

• My brother, do you believe that you are truly called by God and his Church to this priesthood?

• Do you now in the presence of the Church commit yourself to this trust and responsibility?

• Will you respect and be guided by the pastoral direction and leadership of your bishop?

• Will you be diligent in the reading and study of the  Holy Scriptures, and in seeking the knowledge of such things as may make you a stronger and more able minister of Christ?

• Will you endeavor so to minister the Word of God and the sacraments of the New Covenant, that the reconciling love of Christ may be known and  received?

• Will you undertake to be a faithful pastor to all whom you are called to serve, laboring together with them and with your fellow ministers to build up the family of God?

• Will you do your best to pattern your life [and that of your family, or household, or community] in  accordance with the teachings of Christ, so that you may be a wholesome example to your people?

• Will you persevere in prayer, both in public and in private, asking God's grace, both for yourself and for theirs, offering all your labors to God, through the mediation of Jesus Christ, and in the sanctification of the Holy Spirit?

• May the Lord who has given you the will to do these things give you the grace and power to perform them.

Bishops are asked:

• Are you persuaded that God has called you to the office of bishop?

• Will you accept this call and fulfill this trust in bedience to Christ?

• Will you be faithful in prayer, and in the study of Holy Scripture, that you may have the mind of Christ?

• Will you boldly proclaim and interpret the Gospel of Christ, enlightening the minds and stirring up the conscience of your people?

• As a chief priest and pastor, will you encourage and support all baptized people in their gifts and ministries, nourish them from the riches of God's grace, pray for them without ceasing, and celebrate with them the sacraments of our redemption?

• Will you guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the Church?

• Will you share with your fellow bishops in the government of the whole Church; will you sustain your fellow presbyters and take counsel with them; will you guide and strengthen the deacons and all others who minister in the Church?

• Will you be merciful to all, show compassion to the poor and strangers, and defend those who have no helper?

• through these promises you have committed yourself to God, to serve his Church in the office of bishop.

Addressing “jubilee”

In this instance significant anniversaries in a religious-person’s life are referred to as “Jubilees”. These anniversaries are in relation to the dates that these religious figures take their vows, and they are often celebrated in intervals of 5 or 10 (5th, 10th, 20th, 25th, etc.)

These Jubilee anniversaries apply to Nuns, Sisters, Brothers, Priests, etc. However, for the sake of this indulgence, only Jubilees of ordinations (which are then celebrated in the context of a Mass) are applicable. There appears to be no set rule about which Jubilees are allowed to be celebrated with a Mass, but it’s more so recognized that usually only the most honorific anniversaries are celebrated with pomp and circumstance (like the interval anniversaries mentioned above.)

Additional Note: Although ordinations may happen at any time of the year, they are most commonly clebrated in June, which is the month of the feast for Sts. Peter and Paul, who are key figures in the foundation and priesthood of the Catholic Church. If you are looking to gain an indulgence this way, keep an eye out especially during this month.