May 4 - Traditional Indulgence of the day!

catholicindulgence
5 days ago
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We are evaluating old indulgences that have been approve on todays date of:

May

List of Traditional materials we will be looking at today, and the current/withstanding grants that they satisfy (directly or indirectly).

44. I believe in one God, the Father
- partial indulgence… Grant 28
129. Eight days being passed
- partial indulgence… Grant 15
130. At Thy birth, O Jesu
- partial indulgence… Grant 15
363. The seven successive Sundays
- Notwithstanding
372. O God, who by the Immaculate Conception
- partial indulgence… Grant 17
446. O glorious Prince
- partial indulgence… Grant 21
734. A Prayer to obtain the grace of preserving chastity – Lord Jesus Christ
- partial indulgence… Grant 15
1950s. PRAYER TO BE SAID BY PRIEST
- partial indulgence… Grant 15

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 I. “THE TRIUNE GOD” - II. ACTS OF THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES AND OF CONTRITION

44. I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, and born of the Father before all ages; God of God, light of light, true God of true God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by Whom all things were made; Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven; and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary and was made man; He was crucified also for us; suffered under Pontius Pilate and was buried; and the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven; He sitteth at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead; and of His kingdom there shall be no end. And in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life; Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; Who with the Father and the Son together is adored and glorified; Who spoke by the Prophets. And one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The faithful, who during the sacrifice of the Mass devoutly recite the foregoing Creed in union with the celebrant, are granted: An indulgence of 7 years (S. P. Ap., May 4, 1940)

This (Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed) is still granted an indulgence today. It may be said, at any time, (not just in Mass) for a partial indulgence under Grant 28. The specific reference in the 'Manuel of Indulgences' is as follows: A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who devoutly recite either the Apostles’ Creed or the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed.

Note: This Creed (as well as the Apostles Creed) is also mentioned specifically as a prayer that must be prayed to complete certain indulgences. It is not a requirement for every indulgence but for some it may be a necessary prayer. Norm 19 is states: The work prescribed for acquiring a plenary indulgence connected with a church or oratory consists of a devout visit during which an Our Father and the Creed are recited, unless other directives have been laid down.

CHAPTER III. ‘GOD THE SON’ – Art. III. “THE INFANT JESUS” – III. Prayers

129. Eight days being passed, the Child was circumcised and His name was called Jesus.” In order to melt the hard and frozen heart of sinful man, O divine Infant, the cold, the poverty, and the tears of Thy manger were not to be enough. Behold, even while the heavenly light and the echo of the angelic harmonies were not yet spent above Thy head, a knife of stone passed over Thy sacred flesh, work of the Holy Spirit, and drew from thence some drops of blood. Now, in the morning of life, those drops are few; but at eventide Thou wilt shed it all even to its last drop. Ah, make us also understand that we cannot escape the necessity of expiating our guilt and of recovering our freedom of spirit through mortification of the base instincts of our flesh.

The grandeur of Thy name, O Jesus, went before, accompanied, and followed Thy coming upon earth. From eternity the Father carried that name written in golden letters in His mind, and at the dawn of creation angelic harps intoned a hymn of praise to it, and the holy men of old greeted it from afar with a joyous heart-beat of hope. At its first echoes in the universe, the heavens opened, earth breathed again, and hell trembled. Its history records nothing but triumphs. For twenty centuries it has been the watch-word of true believers, who have always found in it, and will continue to find therein, the inspiration and the impelling power to reach the most exalted heights of virtue. It will ever be the sweetest name of all; it was spoken over Thy manger and inscribed upon the Cross; and through all the years it will bring to man's remembrance Him who loved us even unto death.

O Jesus, take full possession of our hearts, and make them live by Thy love only, until they consecrate their final beating to Thee.

The faithful, who on the feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord recite this prayer with devotion, are granted: An indulgence of 3 years; A plenary indulgence on the usual conditions (S. P. Ap., May 4, 1941)

Every prayer may be eligible for a partial indulgence, under Grant 15. 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 III. ‘GOD THE SON’ – Art. III. “THE INFANT JESUS” – III. Prayers

130. At Thy birth, O Jesus, a star of wondrous splendor shone forth in the Eastern skies, and led to Bethlehem the Magi, those envoys of far-distant, pagan peoples, even as the Angel, bathed in heavenly light, was summoning to Thy manger the shepherds, as representatives of the chosen people. For the Gentiles as well as the Jews, must needs recognize in Thee, a poor and helpless Infant, the almighty King of Ages, the Saviour of mankind. Neither sceptre nor diadem disclosed Thy kingly state; no sweet harmonies, no hosts of Angels mustering round Thy crib revealed Thy divine nature; but the star, shining above Thy wretched stable, pointed to the heavens, the earth, and the entire universe as Thine absolute possessions; even as the Magi, who at the inspiration of Thy grace, coming promptly from afar, caring naught for dangers, overcoming every difficulty, and embracing every sacrifice, reached Thy feet and kneeling down in reverence offered Thee their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Thirsting for God, they had gone eagerly in search of Thee, and Thou didst reveal Thyself to them in a wonderful manner, while still in Thy crib, filling them with ineffable joys and transforming them into the first messengers of Thy glories to the peoples of the Orient.

After the appearance of the star, which sufficed to render the Magi Thy ardent followers, with what marvels, O Jesus, didst Thou demonstrate Thy divinity! Yet what darkness still overshadows our poor minds! How reluctantly our wills give way to the loving impulses of Thy grace, even when they do not openly resist Thee! Give us, therefore, O Jesus, the strength to reply ever promptly and generously to Thy call, and grant that the divine light of faith, which was enkindled by Thee within us while still in our cradles, may ever accompany us on the road of life, until, blessed at last in Heaven, we shall be able to fix our eyes upon Thee in the light of glory.

The faithful, who devoutly recite this prayer on the solemn feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord, are granted: An indulgence of 3 years; A plenary indulgence on the usual conditions (S. P. Ap., May 4, 1941).

CHAPTER V. “THE MOST BLESSED VIRGIN MARY” – Art. II. “THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE B.V.M.” - III. Devout Practices

363. The faithful on any one of the seven successive Sundays that they choose, if they recite some devout prayers in honor of the Immaculate Conception of the B. V. M., may gain: A plenary indulgence on the usual conditions (S. C. of the Prop. of the Faith, Sept. 21, 1865; S. C. Ind., July 23, 1898; S. P. Ap., May 4, 1936).

This indulgence, as a whole, is Notwithstanding. However, this Devout Practice may offer a partial indulgence under one of the general grants (like General Grant 3 or General Grant 4) if applied correctly

CHAPTER V. “THE MOST BLESSED VIRGIN MARY” – Art. II. “THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE B.V.M.” – IV. Prayers

372. O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin didst make ready a fitting habitation for Thy Son, we beseech Thee that Thou who didst keep her clean from all stain by the precious death of the same Thy Son, foreseen by Thee, mayest grant unto us in like manner to be made clean through her intercession and so attain unto Thee. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen (Roman Missal). An indulgence of 3 years. A plenary indulgence on the usual conditions, if this prayer is recited daily for a month (S. C. Ind., March 23, 1904; S. P. Ap., May 4, 1936).

This prayer is granted a partial indulgence under Grant 17, because it has been “approved” at least once. The specific reference in the 'Manuel of Indulgences' is as follows: A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who devoutly address the Blessed Virgin Mary with some approved prayer

P.S. Prayers may be said on the memorial of any saint listed in the calendar recite, according to Grant 21. This would offer the opportunity for a partial indulgence. Prayers for this Grant must be “approved by legitimate authority.” Therefore, this prayer would be a valid option in honor of the Marian feast: the Feast Day of THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE B.V.M.

CHAPTER VI. “THE HOLY ANGELS” – Art. II. “SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL” – IV. Prayers

446. O glorious Prince of the heavenly host, Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in the battle and in the fearful warfare that we are waging against the principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, against the evil spirits. Come thou to the assistance of men, whom Almighty God created immortal, making them in His own image and likeness and redeeming them at a great price from the tyranny of Satan. Fight this day the battle of the Lord with thy legions of holy Angels, even as of old thou didst fight against Lucifer, the leader of the proud spirits and all his rebel angels, who were powerless to stand against thee, neither was their place found any more in heaven. And that apostate angel, transformed into an angel of darkness who still creeps about the earth to encompass our ruin, was cast headlong into the abyss together with his followers. But behold, that first enemy of mankind, and a murderer from the beginning, has regained his confidence. Changing himself into an angel of light, he goes about with the whole multitude of the wicked spirits to invade the earth and blot out the Name of God and of His Christ, to plunder, to slay and to consign to eternal damnation the souls that have been destined for a crown of everlasting life. This wicked serpent, like an unclean torrent, pours into men of depraved minds and corrupt hearts the poison of his malice, the spirit of lying, impiety and blasphemy, and the deadly breath of impurity and every form of vice and iniquity. These crafty enemies of mankind have filled to overflowing with gall and wormwood the Church, which is the Bride of the Lamb without spot; they have laid profane hands upon her most sacred treasures. Make haste, therefore, O invincible Prince, to help the people of God against the inroads of the lost spirits and grant us the victory. Amen. An indulgence of 500 days (Leo XIII, Motu Proprio, Sept. 25, 1888; S. P. Ap., May 4, 1934).

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 IX. “FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS” – PART II. “IN FAVOR OF CERTAIN GROUPS OF PERSONS” – II. Prayers to be used by all clerics in Holy Orders and priests – (A) For A Holy Life

734. A Prayer to obtain the grace of preserving chastity – Lord Jesus Christ, bridegroom of my soul, the beloved of my heart, nay, my vary heart and soul, I throw myself upon my knees in Thy sight, and most earnestly implore Thee to give me grace to keep the faith I solemnly gave unto Thee in the reception of Subdeaconship. Wherefore, O sweetest Jesus, let me deny all ungodliness; let me ever be a stranger to carnal desires and earthly lusts which war against the soul, and, with Thy help, let me preserve my chastity unspotted.

O Mary most holy and immaculate, the Virgin of virgins, and our loving Mother, make clean my heart and my soul ever more and more; obtain for me the fear of the Lord and a great distrust of myself.

Saint Joseph, guardian of Mary's virginity, keep my soul free from every sin.

All ye holy Virgins who follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth, be ever watchful over me, a sinner, lest at any time I go astray from the most pure Heart of Jesus and transgress by thought, word or deed. Amen. An indulgence of 500 days (S. C. Ind., March 16, 1889; S. P. Ap., May 4, 1932).

Even though this prayer addresses Mary, Joseph, and others, I would not attribute to one of the current indulgences designated to prayers said to any of these holy persons. There also is no category of indulgence that is strictly applied to the clergy anymore (except for select events). So, I will safely attribute this to Grant 15. 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.

“Addenda to The Raccolta” - .APPROVED-SINCE 1950 - PRAYER TO BE SAID BY PRIEST

1950s. PRAYER TO BE SAID BY PRIEST - O Lord Jesus Christ, eternal High Priest, Good Shepherd and Fountain of Life, who hast numbered us among thy priests not through any merits of ours but by the special bounty of Thy most Sacred Heart, mercifully grant unto us an abundance of Thy gifts that we may be able to fulfill those priestly promises which we have made by the inspiration of Thy grace. Since Thou didst sanctify Thyself for us that we also may be truly sanctified (John 17, 19), and since Thou art our Way, grant that we may never depart from Thee so that becoming well versed in Thy teaching and faithful in keeping of Thy commandments we may reflect in our conduct the image and kind dispositions of Thy Sacred Heart. Thus in Thee and through Thee we shall in all things be found pleasing to the heavenly Father.

May perfect justice together with prudence shine forth in our lives and let robust fortitude be tempered by the restraints of chaste temperance. With pure faith abiding in our hearts, may they be consoled by the hope of immortal blessings, and become inflamed with the fires of heavenly love from Thy Sacred Heart, the burning furnace of charity. Grant that we may be ever diligent in meditating on thy words, radiant with the brightness of Thy eternal wisdom for the enlightenment of our minds. Thus from that very pasture in which we are fed, we can feed the sheep of Thy flock committed to our care. May the enemies of Thy Gospel stand in awe as they witness the strong bonds of unity that knit us so closely together. May they never have occasion to observe in our conduct anything with which to find fault with Thy Church, our spotless and immaculate Mother. Finally, may we ever prefer Thy glory to our own personal gain, and grant us to persevere to our last breath in the fruitful performance of duty with an upright will and a pure conscience. Then after death be Thou, who art now our Teacher and Companion, our eternal reward in the glory of the Saints, who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost for ever and ever. Amen. An indulgence of 1000 days (S. P. Ap. May 4, 1956).

Similar to # 734, mentioned above, this prayer is most safely attributed to Grant 15. 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.

This concludes 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.

Catholic Indulgence Information

May 4 - Traditional Indulgence of the day!

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