We are evaluating old indulgences that have been approve on todays date of:
January
26
List of Traditional materials we will be looking at today, and the current/withstanding grants that they satisfy (directly or indirectly).
133. My Lord and my God
partial indulgence… General Grant 1 or Grant 15
564. A Prayer – O most glorious Saint Margaret
partial indulgence… Grant 21
593. Indulgences for the Heroic Act
Notwithstanding
594. Prayers for every day of the week
partial indulgence… Grant 29
672. Almighty and merciful
partial indulgence… Grant 5
673. Conditions for gaining the indulgences
potential plenary/partial indulgence… Grant 14
NOTE:
Every prayer may be eligible for a partial indulgence, if applied correctly, under Grant 15.
Every invocation may be eligible for a partial indulgence, if applied correctly, under ‘General Grant ’ 1
Every practice may be eligible for a partial indulgence, if it is applied correctly, under one of the ‘General Grant’s 2, 3, or 4
Some spelling errors may be present.
Abbreviations that are found at the end of an indulgence prayer/practice (like S. P. Ap., and S. C. Ind.,) are, in essence, a specific ecclesiastical approval for a particular indulgence.
Traditional indulgences are ordered by their last date of approval.
The full written outline of the requirements for a partial or plenary indulgence, found at the end of an indulgence prayer/practice, may be omitted if not all of the information is unique or notable. (You will see three dots when there is a break in text …)
CHAPTER III. ‘GOD THE SON’ – Art. IV. - “JESUS IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT – I. Ejaculations and Invocations.
133. My Lord and my God!
The faithful who, at the elevation of the Sacred Host during Mass or when It is solemnly exposed, recite this ejaculation with faith, piety and love, are granted: An indulgence of 7 years; A plenary indulgence once a week, if this pious practice is followed daily, on conditions of confession, Communion and prayer for the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff (Pius X, Rescript in his own hand, May 18, 1907, exhib. June 12, 1907; S. P. Ap., June 21, 1927 and Jan. 26, 1937).
This Ejaculation (aka. Ejaculatory Prayer) can be seen in two ways. Firstly, if Ejaculations are more similar to Invocations (which they are categorically paired with) then this would be offered an indulgence under ‘General Grant’ 1. Every invocation may be eligible for a partial indulgence under this Grant. The specific reference in the 'Manuel of Indulgences' is as follows: A partial indulgence is granted to the Christian faithful who, while carrying out their duties and enduring the hardships of life, raise their minds in humble trust to God and make, at least mentally, some pious invocation.
However, the second option, should Ejaculatory Prayers be more closely related to “Prayers” then this would be offered an indulgence under Grant 15. Every prayer may be eligible for a partial indulgence under this Grant. The specific reference in the 'Manuel of Indulgences' is as follows: A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who for their personal edification devoutly spend time in mental prayer.
CHAPTER VII. - “THE SAINTS” – Art. IV “IN HONOR OF OTHER SAINTS” - XLIX. SAINT MARGARET OF CORTONA, PENITENT
564. A Prayer – O most glorious Saint Margaret, true pearl whom Almighty God with so great love plucked from the hand of the infernal enemy who possessed thee, in order that, by means of thy wonderful conversion, holy life and most precious death, He might move all poor sinners to forsake sin, by doing good and avoiding evil as well as all sinful occasions: obtain for us, thy faithful clients, from thy exalted place in heaven, a place to which thy tears and thy penance elevated thee, the grace of a sincere repentance, a lively sorrow for our sins and, after a holy life spent, like thine, in the love of Jesus Crucified, the grace of a happy death and a crown of glory in paradise. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.
An indulgence of 300 days (S. C. Ind., Jan. 12, 1897; S. P. Ap., Jan. 26, 1932).
Approved prayers may be said on the memorial of any saint listed in the calendar, according to Grant 21. The specific reference in the 'Manuel of Indulgences' is as follows: A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who on the memorial of any saint listed in the calendar recite in that saint’s honor the prayer taken from the Missal or another one approved by legitimate authority.
CHAPTER VIII. ‘FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED’ – V. The heroic act of charity.
593. a) The faithful who make the heroic act in favor of the souls detained in purgatory, may gain: A plenary indulgence, applicable only to the dead:
1° on any day that they receive Holy Communion, if they have made their confession and visited some church or public oratory and prayed for the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff;
2° on any Monday of the year, or if some impediment arises, on the following Sunday, if they attend Mass in supplication for the faithful departed and moreover fulfill the usual conditions.
b) Priests, who make the aforesaid heroic act, may enjoy the indult of a personal privileged altar every day of the year (S. C. Ind., Sept. 30, 1852 and Nov. 20, 1854; S. P. Ap., Jan. 26, 1932).
What is the Heroic Act? A decree of the Sacred Congregation of Indulgences dated 18 December, 1885, and confirmed the following day by Leo XIII, says: The Heroic Act of Charity in favour of the souls detained in purgatory consists in this, that a member of the Church militant (Christifidelis), either using a set formula or simply by an act of his will, offers to God for the souls in purgatory all the satisfactory works which he will perform during his lifetime, and also all the suffrages which may accrue to him after his death.
Today, there are no Grants for offering up the entirety of one’s own spiritual benefits for the sake of other souls who are in to purgatory. There is, however, a Norm (Norm 3) which states “The faithful can obtain partial or plenary indulgences for themselves, or they can apply them to the dead by way of suffrage.”So, although this Heroic Act may still be done according to individual piety, I do not believe it stands to offer an indulgence anymore.
CHAPTER VIII. ‘FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED’ – VI. Prayers
594. Prayers for every day of the week – SUNDAY - O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee by the Precious Blood, which Thy divine Son Jesus shed in the Garden, deliver the souls in purgatory, and especially that one which is the most forsaken of all, and bring it into Thy glory, where it may praise and bless Thee for ever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Eternal rest, etc.
MONDAY - O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee by the Precious Blood which Thy divine Son Jesus shed in His cruel scourging, deliver the souls in purgatory, and among them all, especially that soul which is nearest to its entrance into Thy glory, that it may soon begin to praise Thee and bless Thee for ever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Eternal rest, etc.
TUESDAY - O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee by the Precious Blood of Thy divine Son Jesus that was shed in His bitter crowning with thorns, deliver the souls in purgatory, and among them all, particularly that soul which is in the greatest need of our prayers, in order that it may not long be delayed in praising Thee in Thy glory and blessing Thee for ever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Eternal rest, etc.
WEDNESDAY - O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee by the Precious Blood of Thy divine Son Jesus that was shed in the streets of Jerusalem whilst He carried on His sacred shoulders the heavy burden of the Cross, deliver the souls in purgatory and especially that one which is richest in merits in Thy sight, so that, having soon attained the high place in glory to which it is destined, it may praise Thee triumphantly and bless Thee forever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Eternal rest, etc.
THURSDAY - O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee by the Precious Body and Blood of Thy divine Son Jesus, which He Himself on the night before His Passion gave as meat and drink to His beloved Apostles and bequeathed to His Holy Church to be the perpetual Sacrifice and life-giving nourishment of His faithful people, deliver the souls in purgatory, but most of all, that soul which was most devoted to this Mystery of infinite love, in order that it may praise Thee therefor, together with Thy divine Son and the Holy Spirit in Thy glory for ever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Eternal rest, etc.
FRIDAY - O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee by the Precious Blood which Jesus Thy divine Son did shed this day upon the tree of the Cross, especially from His sacred Hands and Feet, deliver the souls in purgatory, and particularly that soul for whom I am most bound to pray, in order that I may not be the cause which hinders Thee from admitting it quickly to the possession of Thy glory where it may praise Thee and bless Thee for evermore. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Eternal rest, etc.
SATURDAY - O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee by the Precious Blood which gushed forth from the sacred Side of Thy divine Son Jesus in the presence and to the great sorrow of His most holy Mother, deliver the souls in purgatory and among them all especially that soul which has been most devout to this noble Lady, that it may come quickly into Thy glory, there to praise Thee in her, and her in Thee through all the ages. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Eternal rest, etc.
An indulgence of 500 days for each of these prayers (S. C. Ind., Nov. 18, 1826; S. P. Ap., Jan. 26, 1932).
Grant 29 is the current grant that addresses indulgences for the faithful departed. Under this grant, it mentions that praying for the dead (at a cemetery) may offer a partial indulgence, but it doesn’t specify any type of prayers. It would be just as good to make up a prayer as it would be to recite existing prayers. But, for this same reason, I don’t think it would be wrong to say that these prayers would, in fact, be covered under Grant 29 as well.
Furthermore, if you notice, there are three prayers put at the end of each of these daily prayers. An "Our Father, Hail Mary, Eternal rest, etc." The "Eternal rest" prayer is offically granted a partial indulgence under Grant 29. So, even if for some reason this series of prayers as a whole wouldn't apply under Grant 29 (they would instead apply under Grant 15), this last prayer of Eternal rest would be a small portion that would apply.
The specific reference in the 'Manuel of Indulgences' is as follows: A partial indulgence, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, is granted to the faithful who 1° devoutly visit a cemetery and at least mentally pray for the dead; 2° devoutly recite lauds or vespers from the Office of the Dead or the prayer Eternal rest.
CHAPTER IX. “FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS” – Art. VII. “MISCELLANEOUS DEVOTIONS” – X. A Prayer for Parish Priests
672. A PRAYER FOR PARISH PRIESTS - Almighty and merciful God, who didst bestow upon the blessed Curé of Ars wonderful pastoral zeal and great fervor for prayer and penance, grant, we beseech Thee that by his example and intercession, our parish priests may be able to gain the souls of their brethren for Christ, and with them attain to everlasting glory. Through that same Christ our Lord. Amen. An indulgence of 300 days (S. P. Ap., Jan. 26, 1949).
Under Grant 5, a partial indulgence is available for those who pray for the intentions of ‘DAYS DESIGNATED UNIVERSALLY FOR A CERTAIN RELIGIOUS INTENTION.’ In June, on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated ‘World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests.’ Prayers for universal intentions do not need to be approved (even though this is), nor do they have to be said on that universally designated day (as far as I know). The specific reference in the 'Manuel of Indulgences' is as follows: A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, on days universally designated to foster certain religious intentions (e.g...), piously assist at celebrations of this kind; however, those who pray for these same intentions may gain a partial indulgence.
P.S. Although this prayer is not specifically categorized as a ‘prayer in honor of John Vianney’, I do think that it’s honor to this Saint is clear enough that it should offer a partial indulgence according to Grant 21. Saint John Vianney was a French Catholic priest often referred to as the Curé d'Ars. “Curé d',” translates to “Priest” or “Parish Priest” and Ars refers to the village of Ars, France which John presided over. The specific reference in the 'Manuel of Indulgences' is as follows: A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who on the memorial of any saint listed in the calendar recite in that saint’s honor the prayer taken from the Missal or another one approved by legitimate authority.
CHAPTER IX. “FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS” – Art. VII. “MISCELLANEOUS DEVOTIONS” – XI. The indulgence of “the Holy Land”
673. XI - THE INDULGENCES OF "THE HOLY LAND" - The faithful who carry upon their persons or who reverently keep at home crosses, crucifixes, chaplets, small statues, medals and other objects of piety that have been touched to places in the Holy Land or to the sacred Relics preserved there, are granted the so-called Indulgences of "the Holy Land,"which are the same as the Apostolic Indulgences (Innocent Xl, Const. "Unigeniti," Jan. 28, 1688; S. C. Ind., June 4, 1721, and Aug. 18, 1895; S. P. Ap., June 12, 1923 and Jan. 26, 1932).
NOTE: The Apostolic Indulgences are those which the Sovereign Pontiff imparts to the faithful who possess a chaplet, rosary, cross, crucifix, small statue or medal blessed by the Sovereign Pontiff or by a priest having faculties to give such blessing. Each Pope sets forth his own list of these indulgences.
This is an interesting indulgence, because if it were not for the Note made below it would certainly be obsolete.
Prior to the note, although the objects mentioned here reflect somewhat on indulgenced objects of today, not all of them are applicable, and they are no longer indulgenced by touching them to Relics or the Holy Land. This would make the indulgence itself Notwithstanding.
However, with the addition of the Note which implies that the object must be blessed by an appropriate ecclesial authority (like the Pope or priest) it now reflects a Withstanding Indulgence, Grant 14. The specific reference in the 'Manuel of Indulgences' is as follows: “§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, 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.”
Norm 15 states that today’s indulgenced objects can only be “one of the following properly blessed pious objects, namely: a crucifix or cross, rosary, scapular, or medal.”
This concluded the Traditional Indulgences
Every prayer/practice that we evaluated today is taken from the last approved publication of the Raccolta. The Raccolta was once the official book/document/list of approved Indulgences. In its last publication there were 780+ individualized prayers/practices that were approved for gaining indulgences.
In 1967 indulgence practices were revised so that indulgences are now, today, granted more in the style of “category” of prayers/practices rather than individually. This leaves me with the question: how do the indulgenced prayers/practices from the Raccolta (traditional indulgence) line up with the indulgences of today? That question is what this “study” seeks to answer.
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