November 25 - Traditional Indulgence of the day!

We are evaluating old indulgences that have been approve on todays date of: 

November

25

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

• 101. Our sins, O Lord

  • partial indulgence… Grant 15

• 620. O glorious virgin St. Theresa

  • partial indulgence… Grant 5 and Grant 21

• 769. O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

  • partial indulgence… Grant 5

• 770. O Lord God, who hast called us

  • partial indulgence… Grant 15

• 771. Almighty and everlasting God

  • 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.

CHAPTER III. “GOD THE SON” – Art. I. “THE LORD JESUS CHRIST” – IV. Prayers

101. Our sins, O Lord, darken our underestimating and hide from us the blessing of loving Thee as Thou dost merit. Enlighten our minds with a ray of Thy divine light. Thou art the Friend, the Redeemer and the Father of him who turns penitent to Thy Sacred Heart; we, too, turn penitent to Thee, Jesus, we hope in Thee, for we know that our salvation cost Thee Thy death upon the Cross and moved Thee to remain continually in the Blessed Sacrament, in order to unite Thyself with us as often as we desire. We, O Lord, to give Thee thanks for the great love Thou bearest toward us, promise Thee, by the help of Thy grace, to receive Thee in Thy Sacrament as often as we can, and to sing Thy praises in church and in every place, without human respect. Lord, we beseech Thee, trusting in Thy Most Sacred Heart, that Thou wouldst call all men to receive Thee daily at the altar, according to Thy burning desire. An indulgence of 500 days (Pius X, Audience June 26, 1906; exhib. July 6, 1906; S. P. Ap., Nov. 25, 1934).

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.

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CHAPTER IX. “FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS” - Art. III. FOR MISSIONS IN PAGAN COUNTRIES – II. Prayers

620. O glorious virgin St. Theresa, whom the Vicar of Jesus Christ on earth hath chosen to be the heavenly Patroness of the Missions, for which cause all missionaries confess thee to be their Patroness and call upon thy name; we fly to thee with heartfelt affection, beseeching thee that thou wouldst take under thy special protection these generous souls who are filled with the Spirit of God and whose hearts are on fire with the love of Jesus Christ and of their neighbor; they have freely forsaken their families and native land; with great courage they make light of every manner of sacrifice, painful toil, countless dangers, and even death itself which may perchance overtake them, and their only joy is the thought that they are able to suffer and die for the sake of Jesus Christ. Hence they go forth gladly into distant and barbarous places in order to declare to the peoples that dwell therein the work of redemption which was accomplished for their souls also by the Lord Jesus Christ.

In this valley of tears thou didst follow these athletes of the faith, these heroic souls, with special affection, thus opening to them thy virgin heart; thou didst offer for their salvation thy fervent prayers to God; thou didst endure bitter sorrow and cruel penance that God, the Saviour of the world, might be pleased to sustain them in their sacred and difficult ministry. Now that thou art in heaven, adorned with greater glory, and seeing Jesus, face to face, whom thou didst love so much and from whom thou didst receive assurance of mutual love, do thou pray and make intercession for them. May they be enabled, through thy singular assistance, to bring many souls to Jesus, souls who were redeemed by His Precious Blood but who still sit in the darkness and shadow of death under the domination of the evil spirit. This in truth is likewise their own earnest desire; in order that they may see it fulfilled, do thou obtain for them that increase of grace and holiness which is so necessary for the fruitful exercise of this apostolic ministry. Sustain them in their many labors, comfort them in their sorrows, help them in their grievous privations and ask of God a special blessing in their behalf, which shall raise them up and reward with abundant fruit the task which they are to accomplish in spreading the Kingdom of Christ on earth with such heartfelt love and self-sacrificing devotion.

O glorious virgin Saint Theresa, heavenly Patroness of the Missions, hear and answer us.

An indulgence of 300 days, once a day. A plenary indulgence once a month, on the usual conditions, provided that this prayer be said daily with devotion (S. P. Ap., Nov. 25, 1936)

Under Grant 5, a partial indulgence is available for those who pray for the intentions of ‘DAYS DESIGNATED UNIVERSALLY FOR A CERTAIN RELIGIOUS INTENTION.’ On the second-to-last Sunday in October, is World Mission Sunday. Prayers for universal intentions do not need to be approved, nor (as far as I know) do they have to be said only on that universally designated day. 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 (...), piously assist at celebrations of this kind; however, those who pray for these same intentions may gain a partial indulgence.

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 on the feast of St. Theresa.

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CHAPTER IX. “FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS” – PART II. “IN FAVOR OF CERTAIN GROUPS OF PERSONS” – XI. A PRAYER TO THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS TO BE SAID BY MARRIED FOLK IN THEIR OWN BEHALF

769. O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, King and center of all hearts, dwell in our hearts and be our King: grant us by Thy grace to love each other truly and chastely, even as Thou hast loved Thine immaculate Bride, the Church, and didst deliver Thyself up for her.

Bestow upon us the mutual love and Christian forbearance that are so acceptable in Thy sight, and a mutual patience in bearing each other's defects; for we are certain that no living creature is free from them. Permit not the slightest misunderstanding to mar that harmony of spirit which is the foundation of that mutual assistance in the many and varied hardships of life, to provide which woman was created and united inseparably to her husband.

Grant, O Lord God, that between us there may be a constant and holy rivalry in striving to lead a perfect Christian life, by virtue of which the divine image of Thy mystic union with Holy Church, imprinted upon us on the happy day of our marriage, may shine forth more and more clearly. Grant, we beseech Thee, that our good example of Christian living may be a source of inspiration to our children to spur them on to conform their lives also to Thy holy Law; and finally, after this exile, may we be found worthy, by the help of Thy grace, for which we earnestly pray, to ascend into heaven, there to be joined with our children for ever, and to praise and bless Thee through everlasting ages. Amen.

NOTE:—If they have no children, instead of the words: "Grant, O Lord God, etc. Amen", let them pray as follows: Grant, O Lord God, that between us there may be a constant and holy rivalry in our efforts to lead a truly Christian life, by virtue of which the divine image of Thy mystic union with Thy Holy Church, which Thou didst deign to impress upon us on the happy day of our marriage, may shine forth more and more clearly; and so living may we, both of us, ascend into heaven and be found worthy to praise Thee and bless Thee for ever. Amen.

An indulgence of 300 days (S. P. Ap., Dec. 11, 1923 and Nov. 25, 1936).

Under Grant 5, a partial indulgence is available for those who pray for the intentions of ‘DAYS DESIGNATED UNIVERSALLY FOR A CERTAIN RELIGIOUS INTENTION.’ World Day of Marriage is celebrated on the Second Sunday in February. Prayers for universal intentions do not need to be approved, nor (as far as I know) do they have to be said only on that universally designated day. 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., the promotion of priestly and religious vocations, the pastoral care of the sick and infirm, strengthening the profession of faith in young people, and assisting others to lead a holy life, etc.), piously assist at celebrations of this kind; however, those who pray for these same intentions may gain a partial indulgence.

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CHAPTER IX. “FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS” – PART II. “IN FAVOR OF CERTAIN GROUPS OF PERSONS” – XII. A PRAYER TO BE SAID BY PARENTS IN BEHALF OF THEIR CHILDREN

770. O Lord God, who hast called us to holy matrimony and hast been pleased to render our union fruitful, thus making glad the sublime state of life wherein Thou hast placed us, by a certain likeness to Thine own infinite fruitfulness; weheartily recommend to Thee our dear children; we entrust them to Thy fatherly care and all-powerful protection, that they may grow daily in Thy holy fear, may lead a perfect Christian life and may be a source of consolation, not only to us who have given them life, but also and chiefly to Thee, who art their Creator.

Behold, O Lord, in what a world they must pass their lives; consider the cunning flatteries whereby the sons of men everywhere endeavor to deprave their minds and hearts with false doctrine and wicked example. Be watchful, O Lord, to help and defend them; grant us the grace to be able to guide them aright in the paths of virtue and in the way of Thy commandments, by the righteous pattern of our own life and practice, and our perfect observance of Thy holy law and that of our Holy Mother the Church; and in order that we may do so faithfully, make us certain of the grave danger that awaits us at the hands of Thy divine justice. Nevertheless all our efforts will be unavailing, unless Thou, O almighty and merciful God, shalt make them fruitful by Thy heavenly blessing.

This Thy blessing, therefore, we humbly ask of Thee, from the bottom of our hearts, trusting in Thy great goodness and mercy hitherto shown unto us; we ask it for ourselves and for the children whom Thou hast been graciously pleased to give unto us. We dedicate them to Thee, O Lord, do Thou keep them as the apple of Thine eye, and protect them under the shadow of Thy wings; do Thou make us worthy to come at last to heaven, together with them, giving thanks unto Thee, our Father, for the loving care Thou hast had of our entire family and praising Thee through endless ages. Amen. An indulgence of 300 days (S. P. Ap., Nov. 25, 1936).

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.

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CHAPTER IX. “FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS” – PART II. “IN FAVOR OF CERTAIN GROUPS OF PERSONS” – XIII.A PRAYER TO BE SAID BY CHILDREN IN BEHALF OF THEIR PARENTS

771. Almighty and everlasting God, who, in the secret counsels of Thine ineffable Providence, hast been pleased to call us into life by means of our parents, who thus partake of Thy divine power in our regard, mercifully hear the prayer of filial affection which we offer to Thee in behalf of those to whom Thou hast given a share of Thy fatherly mercy, in order that they might lavish upon us in our journey through life the consoling gift of Thy holy and generous love.

Dear Lord, fill our parents with Thy choicest blessings; enrich their souls with Thy holy grace; grant that they may faithfully and constantly guard that likeness to Thy mystic marriage with Thy Church, which Thou didst imprint upon them on the day of their nuptials. Fill them with the spirit of holy fear, which is the beginning of wisdom, and continually move them to impart the same to their children; in such wise may they ever walk in the way of Thy commandments, and may their children be their joy in this earthly exile and their crown of glory in their home in heaven.

Finally, Lord God, grant that both our father and our mother may attain to extreme old age and enjoy perpetual health in mind and body; may they deserve to sing Thy praises forever in our heavenly country in union with us, their children, giving Thee most hearty thanks that Thou hast bestowed upon them in this valley of tears the great gift of a share in the light of Thy infinite fruitfulness and of Thy divine fatherhood. Amen. An indulgence of 300 days (S. P. Ap., Nov. 25, 1936).

Refer to the above (# 770) for the specific reference in the 'Manuel of Indulgences' regarding 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.