For The Sick And Impeded

A question that is sometimes asked about indulgences is if they can be done by the disabled. Or by the impeded, the sick, the home bound, and/or the bed reddened. Here I would like to cover some of the allowances that indulgences have, so as to be more accessible, and some of the plenary indulgences I would recommend.

Starting off, let us look at the Norms of indulgences that are designed to make gaining indulgences (especially plenary indulgences) a little easier. Please note that, all though some of these norms are designated only to the disabled, others can be applied to everyone, disabled or not. We will be looking at Norms; 4, 13, 14, 18.2, 20.3-4, 23, 24, 25, 26

Norm 4. The faithful who perform with at least inward contrition an action to which a partial indulgence is attached obtain, in addition to the remission of temporal punishment acquired by the action itself, an equal remission of punishment through the intervention of the Church.

Many people mention that, within their capabilities, they may be able to do some of an indulgence, but not all of it. Know that your efforts do not go to waist if you can not complete a plenary indulgence. I bring up this grant as a reminder that, if you are unable to gain a plenary indulgence (due to disability or for any other reason), you may still gain a partial indulgence.

Norm 13. If a liturgical celebration or its external solemnity is lawfully transferred, it is understood that an indulgence attached to that liturgical celebration is likewise transferred to the same day.

Some people are only able to attend a single Mass per week. Whether it is because you are sick, mostly-immobile, working, a care giver, or for some other reason, this Norm is helpful because it usually offers a more convent timeframe to do an indulgence work. For example, this allows an indulgence celebration to be moved from a weekday to the weekend. If your weekend ‘obligation Mass’ is the only day of the week you can go to Mass, this could open up that indulgence opportunity to you.

Norm 14. If a visit to a Church or an oratory is required to obtain an indulgence attached to a particular day, this may be accomplished from noon of the preceding day until midnight of the particular day.

Like the above, this norm creates a more convent timeframe to do an indulgence. Coincidently, I just recently had a minor surgery. This event took up an entire day, but if I had wanted to, I still would have been able to gain an indulgence for that particular day due to this norm. I would have simply done an appropriate indulgenced work the day before, and it would have applied to the next day.

Please note that only a few Grants apply under this norm. If you would like to consider this option, I recommend: Praying a Rosary or the Akathistos hymn or the Office of the Paraclisis in a church or oratory. These Marian prayers can offer a plenary indulgence on any/every day. Other examples of church-involved indulgences are outlined in my article “Noon to Midnight, Norm 14”

Norm 18.2. The faithful however can obtain the plenary indulgence at the hour of death, even if they have already gained one on the same day.

Due to the nature of illness it is important to note the event of dying. In her attempt to make gaining indulgences accessible, especially for those who are most in need, the Church considers the dying and opens up this special opportunity to them. (It is not offered to the faithful (the non-dying) at large.) This norm goes hand in hand with the indulgence mentioned under Grant 12 which we will discuss in the grant section below.

Norm 20.3-4. The three conditions [communion, confession, and praying for the pope’s Intentions] may be fulfilled several days before or after the performance of the prescribed work; it is, however, fitting that Communion be received and the prayer for the intention of the Holy Father be said on the same day the work is performed. 4. If the full disposition is lacking, or if the work and the three prescribed conditions are not fulfilled, saving the provisions given in Norm 24 and in Norm 25 regarding those who are “impeded, ” the indulgence will only be partial.

N 20.3 gives the convinced of an extended time frame. According to another official indulgence document called “The Gift of the Indulgence,” “several days” can be understood to mean “20 days” before or after an indulgence work. So, if your time or capabilities are limited, this Norm offers you more time. N 20.4 simply references Norms 24 and 25, which we will be looking at below, and it reminds us of the ‘partial indulgence’ reduction, which we covered above in Norm 4.

Norm 23. To gain an indulgence it is sufficient to recite the prayer alternately with a companion or to follow it mentally while it is being recited by another.

This norm is great for the disabled or ill because it allows someone to help you. If your strength or senses are failing (or even if they are not), you are allowed to be guided through a prayer-based indulgence work.

Norm 24. Confessors can commute either the prescribed work or the conditions in favor of those for whom these are impossible because of a legitimate impediment.

Although I do not fully understand the logistics of this Grant, it is designed for the impeded. What I don’t know about this grant is: what “commuting” looks like/means. I believe that this simply means that a legitimate change may be made to an indulgence (like extended time or changed circumstances). I also don’t know what the strict definition of “impediment” means here. Certainly this would cover those with chronic illnesses, but it may also include conditional issues. I’ve heard of some special allowances being made for those who can not travel because they live remotely (In the mountains or as a hermit), or for some people who spend lengthy time at sea. What I DO know is that you can go to your Confessor (priest or higher) and work with them to find a solution to any problem you have in gaining an indulgence. For all of my lack of knowledge about the terms of this norm, the bases of this is to simply ask for assistance as needed.

Norm 25. Hierarchs or local ordinaries can grant permission to the faithful over whom they exercise legitimate authority and who live in places where it is impossible or at least very difficult to go to confession or Communion to gain a plenary indulgence without confession and Communion, provided they have contrition for their sins and have the intention of receiving these Sacraments as soon as possible.

This norm reflects what I mentioned above (in Norm 24). I think of those with chronic illnesses, as well as the hermit and sea goer. Regardless of the condition though, it still stands that special permissions may be given under certain circumstances, to those who ask for assistance.

Norm 26. Both the deaf and the mute can gain indulgences attached to public prayers if, together with the other faithful praying in the same place, they devoutly raise their mind and affections to God; regarding private prayers it is sufficient for them to recite the prayers mentally or express them with signs, or simply to read them without pronouncing the words.

In this norm the Church remembers the deaf and mute especially. The condition of being deaf or mute may happen naturally or it may be caused by other underlying conditions (illness, age, etc.)

That covers the norms that are especially geared towards the impeded and disabled. Now we will cover Indulgence Grants/Works. Some of these mention the impeded specifically, while others are Grants that I have added because I believe they are some of the easier indulgences for the disabled to complete. We will be looking at Grants: 4, 12, 13.5, 14, 17.1, 23, 28.1, 30

Grant 4. A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who devoutly receive a blessing imparted either by the Supreme Pontiff to Rome and the World (Urbi et Orbi), or by the bishop to whose care the faithful are entrusted in accordance with Norm 7, 2° of this Manual, even if, because of reasonable circumstances, they are unable to be present physically at the sacred rite, provided that they follow it devoutly as it is broadcast live by television or radio.

Due to only needing to follow a live broadcast (especially in this age of technology) this indulgence can be received by anyone who is concise, coherent, and has access to the live broadcast. Generally speaking this blessing (indulgence) is given on Easter and Christmas. Usually after Mass. There may be other occasions as well, like instituting a new Pope, where this blessing is given. This indulgence is one that can be acquired while even in the most crippling conditions (like paralysis, or being strictly bed ridden) so long as you fulfill the usual plenary conditions.

Grant 12. §1 A priest who administers the sacraments to someone in danger of death should not fail to impart the apostolic blessing to which a plenary indulgence is attached. §2 If a priest is unavailable, Holy Mother Church benevolently grants to the Christian faithful, who are duly disposed, a plenary indulgence to be acquired at the point of death, provided they have been in the habit of reciting some prayers during their lifetime; in such a case, the Church supplies for the three conditions ordinarily required for a plenary indulgence. §3 In this latter case, the use of a crucifix or a cross in obtaining the plenary indulgence is commendable. §4 The faithful can obtain this plenary indulgence at the hour of death, even if they have already acquired a plenary indulgence on that same day. §5 The catechetical instruction of the faithful should ensure that they are duly made aware and frequently reminded of this salutary benefaction of the Church.

This is the full information for Grant 12. (The one that I mentioned is associated with Norm 18.2). This work is particularly generous since it may be done even by those who are incapable of any action. Something to know about this indulgence work is that it is also know as the “Apostolic Blessing” or the “Apostolic Pardon,” and that this blessing may be given some time in advance before a persons death. In fact, priests encourage those who care for their dying loved one not to wait until the likely day of that persons death. If death is expected or possible at any point, priests would ratherbestow this blessing early rather then make it to that persons bed side too late. My understanding is that, if death does not occur, this indulgence does not happen/apply; and if death happens some time later, this indulgence work applies at that moment, even if it is administered earlier. This work is also the only Grant that states that you may not necessarily have to fulfill the usual plenary conditions exactly as prescribed. “ ...[in some cases], the Church supplies for the three conditions ordinarily required for a plenary indulgence.”

Grant 13.5. A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who... §2 personally make the pious Way of the Cross, or devoutly unite themselves to the Way of the Cross while it is being led by the Supreme Pontiff and broadcast live on television or radio. ...5. Those legitimately impeded can acquire the same indulgence, if they spend some time, e.g., at least a quarter of an hour, in reading and meditating on the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

This indulgence is my top recommendation for those who are impeded. Firstly, I like this grant because, regardless of your abilities, this indulgence can be done on any and every day, on your own or in community. Just follow the prescriptions (not posted here) to the best of your abilities. (You can find this Grant, in full, in the article “List of Grants (Pt.2)” or in the book Manuel of Indulgences.) Secondly, this grant mentions explicitly that, if you are not able to follow its usual prescriptions, that the legitimately impeded can spend 15 minutes meditation on the Passion and Death of Christ and still gain it’s plenary indulgence. This can be done anywhere, at any time, in any condition. Lastly, aside from doingthe stations/way of the cross personally, it has a similar benefit to Grant 4. That is, an indulgence is available by following a live broadcast with the Pope, which is an easy action for any person, just so long as you are concise, coherent, and haveaccess to the live broadcast. For those interested in following along with the pope, this even usually happens during Lent. Also, all of these ways mentioned under Grant 13 do still require that you fulfill the usual plenary conditions.

Grant 14. §1 A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, on the Solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, make prayerful use of an article of devotion, as defined by Norm 15 [a crucifix or cross, rosary, scapular, or medal], that has been blessed by the Supreme Pontiff or by any bishop, provided the faithful also make a Profession of Faith using any legitimate formula. §2 A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who devoutly use such articles of devotion properly blessed by either a priest or a deacon.

June 29^th is the Solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. On this day, if you have an article that is blessed by a bishop or Pope, you may gain a plenary indulgence. There is no special place to be or prayers to pray, only that you have an appropriate, blessed, item and pray with it devoutly. The item doesn’t even have to be your own! You can borrow Grandma’s blessed rosary. That being said, it’s not very difficult to have an item of your own blessed. You may reach out to your Bishop at the diocese and figure out some arraignments to have him bless an item for you. Or, for a papal blessing, I have recently found out that you can order items from the Vatican Gift shop. They will sell items to you and then you may have your item blessed by the Pope before shipping. That is, if you are not traveling to Rome yourself, since there are also opportunities built in the Pope’s agenda to bestow a blessing upon the faithful present is St. Peter’s Square and any items they hold up at that time.

Grant 17. §1 A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who 1° devoutly recite the Marian rosary in a church or oratory, or in a family, a religious community, or an association of the faithful, and in general when several of the faithful gather for some honest purpose; 2° devoutly join in the recitation of the rosary while it is being recited by the Supreme Pontiff and broadcast live by radio or television. In other circumstances, the indulgence will be partial….

You may recall, under Norm 14, that I mentioned that a plenary indulgence can be acquired from noon on one day (the vigil) until midnight of the next day. This allows more time, but you would have to be well enough to travel to a church or oratory. Grant 17 concerning the rosary (and Grant 23 below, concerning the Akathistos hymn and the Office of the Paraclisis) would apply under that norm so that you have more time to gain a plenary indulgence. Now, if you can’t travel,both Grants 17 and 23 also allow people to come to you. “A family” or “the faithful [who] gather for some honest purpose” would allow you to gain a plenary indulgence from any location (like your own home). And, recalling Norm 23 for following along mentally, you may not even be required to speak if you are not able. I speculate that a ‘family’ or ‘group’ would requrire no less then 3 participants (yourself being one of them) and a final point to make here is that praying the Rosary (or the Akathistos hymn or the Office of the Paraclisis) is an indulgence that you can do any and every day.

Grant 23. §1 A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who devoutly recite the Akathistos hymn or the Office of the Paraclisis in a church or oratory, or in a family, a religious community, or an association of the faithful, and in general when several of the faithful gather for some honest purpose. In other circumstances, the indulgence will be partial. Regarding the plenary indulgence for the recitation of the hymn Akathistos, it need not be recited in full, but it suffices that there be an uninterrupted recitation of some suitable part, according to legitimate custom. Among the faithful of the Eastern Churches, where the practice of these devotions does not exist, other similar exercises in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as established by the patriarchs, enjoy the same indulgences….

The Akathistos hymn and the Office of the Paraclisis, as you can see, are alternative Marian devotions. They are similar to the rosary, and they follow the exact same rules as the rosary. They may be prayed in a church or oratory, in a family, in a group, and they offer a plenary indulgence on any/every day just like the rosary.

Grant 28. §1 A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, at the celebration of the Easter Vigil or on the anniversary of their own Baptism, renew their baptismal vows in any legitimately approved formula.

This indulgence (the anniversary of one’s own Baptism) does not need you to be in a certain place, so it can be done from home, and in mostly any condition. So long as you have a legitimately approved formula/prayer, and you know the anniversary date of your baptism, you may gain a plenary indulgence this way, from anywhere. As for all plenary indulgence (except Grant 12) the usual plenary conditions most be completed.

Grant 30. §1 A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who read the Sacred Scriptures as spiritual reading, from a text approved by competent authority and with the reverence due to the divine word, for at least a half an hour; if the time is less, the indulgence will be partial. §2 If for some good reason a person is unable to read the Sacred Scriptures, a plenary or partial indulgence is granted, as above, if the text of Sacred Scripture is listened to while another person is reading or if it is heard by means of a video or audio recording.

This indulgence specifically mentions those who are unable to read scripture. This would be especially beneficial for the blind/visually impaired, and those with other troubles seeing and reading (like if you can’t sit up in bed or hold a book). That being said, I wonder if being “unable to read scripture” could apply to broader circumstances too, even to those who are not disabled or impeded. For example, I enjoy listening to the bible as I drive in my car. Driving would be a very good circumstance to not read the bible, so, I wonder, would something like this count? I do not have the answer to this questions at this time, but it’s worth thinking and asking about. Regardless of that, this indulgence is also one that can be gained any/every day. It does not require being at a specific location, or done at a specific time, and you may have someone assist you (audibly) if needed. This is one of those indulgences that, if needed, all you have to be is concise, coherent, and able to follow along (audibly or by your own reading ability).

And this covers most indulgence information for the disabled and impeded. If you have any further questions please let me know through my email or on facebook/meta, or ask your local ecclesial authority (like your priest). I hope this has been helpful, especially in coming to know this hidden gem of the Catholic Faith.