In Part 1 we looked at the Jubilee indulgences offered within the Official Decree that has been provided by the Church. Now, in Part 2, we will examine the indulgences we defined for this Jubilee, and compare and contrast them to indulgences that are in effect all of the time (aka. during 'usual years'). I feel like this is especially important because of the large amount of indulgences that were previously mentioned. I noticed especially that, as I was writing Part 1, some indulgences that are encouraged for the Jubilee year are also indulgences that already offer a plenary indulgence naturally. In this way, the Jubilee year provides encouragement to do these indulgences, but not necessarily a unique opportunity that isn’t also available outside of the Jubilee year.
Table of Contents for this post:
1. Location: The Four (Major Papal Basilicas, in Rome)
Verdict: Encourage, but not limited to the Jubilee year
2. Location: Four select Basilicas
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
3. Location: Cathedral, other church or sacred place designated by the local Ordinary
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
4. Action: Participating in Holy Mass (+recommended masses)
Verdict: Limited to the Jubilee year/will cease at the year’s end.
5. Action: Participating in a ritual Mass for the conferral of the sacraments of Christian Initiation or the Anointing of the Sick
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
6. Action: [Do] a celebration of the Word of God
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
7. Action: [Do] the Liturgy of the Hours (office of readings, lauds, vespers)
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
8. Action: [Do] the Via Crucis (aka. Stations of the Cross)
Verdict: Encourage, but not limited to the Jubilee year.
9. Action: [Do] the Marian Rosary
Verdict: Encourage, but not limited to the Jubilee year.
10. Action: [Do] the recitation of the Akathist hymn;
Verdict: Encourage, but not limited to the Jubilee year.
11. Action: [Do] a penitential celebration (which ends with the individual confessions...)
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
12. Action: Individually or in a group, visit any Jubilee site, do Eucharistic adoration and meditation, concluding with the Our Father, Profession of Faith, and invocations to Mary.
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
13. Location: Three select Basilicas and "the seven Churches of Rome"
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
14. Location: Four select Churches
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
15. Location: the Roman Catacombs
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
16. Location: Three select Churches
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
17. Location: Seven select Basilicas, plus any minor basilica
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
18. Location: Any cathedral church
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
19. Location: Any co-cathedral church
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
20. Location: Any Marian sanctuary,
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
21. Location: Any national or international sanctuaries
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
22. Location: any distinguished collegiate church or sanctuary designated by the diocesan bishop or Eparchy
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
Paragraph 1. participate in missions, spiritual exercises, or formation activities
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
Paragraph 2. an act of charity on behalf of the souls in Purgatory
Verdict: Limited to the Jubilee year/will cease at the year’s end.
Paragraph 3. works of charity or mercy.
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
Paragraph 4. visiting brothers and sisters who are in need or in difficulty
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
Paragraph 5. initiatives that put the spirit of penance into practice, in a concrete and generous way
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
Paragraph 6. diocesan bishops and eparchs may impart the Papal Blessing
Verdict: Encourage, but not limited to the Jubilee year.
We will go in order, starting with Indulgenced Pilgrimages. We will first be looking at Locations.
1. Location: The Four (Major Papal Basilicas, in Rome)
Verdict: Encourage, but not limited to the Jubilee year.
Grant 33- A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who visit, and there devoutly recite an Our Father and the Creed, one of the four Patriarchal Basilicas in Rome, either as part of group making a pilgrimage to the basilica or at least with the purpose of expressing during the visit filial submission to the Roman Pontiff;
By virtue of location (and pilgriming to it) a visit to any of the four Patriarchal Basilicas will offer a plenary indulgence even outside of the jubilee year. The Jubilee offers more actions that may be done once entering these Basilicas which might not be available after the year’s end.
2. Location: Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
Grant 33- A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who visit, and there devoutly recite an Our Father and the Creed, [at] a minor basilica
a. on the solemnity of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul;
b. on the solemnity of its Titular;
c. on August 2, the day of the “Portiuncula” indulgence;
d. once a year, on a day chosen by the Christian faithful;
By virtue of location, these Basilicas will offer a plenary indulgence on only four days of a given year. The Jubilee offers more actions that may be done once entering these Basilicas which might not be available after the year’s end. They also won’t necessarily be related to pilgrimages, even though they retain a ‘sacred place’ status at all times.
3. Location: Cathedral, other church or sacred place designated by the local Ordinary
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
Grant 33- A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who visit, and there devoutly recite an Our Father and the Creed, [at] a cathedral church, a parish church, an international, national, or diocesan shrine established by competent authority - on the solemnity of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul,- on the solemnity of its Titular;- on the liturgical celebration of the Cathedral of St. Peter, the Apostle;
- on the dedication of the Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior;- on August 2, the day of the “Portiuncula” indulgence;
- once a year, on a day chosen by the Christian faithful;
By virtue of location, these locations will offer a plenary indulgence on some days of a given year (between 2-5 days depending on the location). The Jubilee offers more actions that may be done once entering these Basilicas which might not be available after the year’s end. These places also won’t necessarily be related to pilgrimages, even though they retain a ‘sacred place’ status at all times.
Next we will be looking at the listed Actions. Remember that all the actions apply to both Indulgenced Pilgrimages, andIndulgenced Pious Visits to Sacred Places (with the exception of one action).
4. Action: Participating in Holy Mass (a Votive Masses: for Reconciliation, for the Remission of Sins, for the Promotion of Charity or to Foster Harmony are especially recommended);
Verdict: Limited to the Jubilee year/will cease at the year’s end.
According to the Manuel of Indulgences: “In accordance with tradition, participation in the Sacrifice of the Mass or the Sacraments is not enriched by indulgences, by reason of the surpassing efficacy for “sanctification and purification” that they have in themselves.” This means that Masses, in and of themselves, are void of any indulgence grant.
However, there are several indulgences that involve the ‘devout assistance’ at an occasions that is usually incorporated into a Mass. Things like first communions, or Masses that are presided over by a newly ordained priest, or on certain anniversaries. So, my speculation is that the Mass being listed as an ‘action’ during the Jubilee is more so to emphasis a participation within a pilgrimage, and is not intend to offer an indulgence in-and-of itself.
Therefor, in light of the understanding that Masses do not carry indulgences, and that this has no actual Grant to fall back on, we can safely assume that whatever capacities this action carries for Indulgenced Pilgrimages, those capacities will end with the Jubillee.
5. Action: Participating in a ritual Mass for the conferral of the sacraments of Christian Initiation or the Anointing of the Sick
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
Please note the above, under “4. Action.” My mind is draws, in this way, to two per-existing indulgences. Grant 5 for the participation in a ritual Mass of the Anointing of the Sick, and Grant 8 for the participation in a ritual Mass of Christina Initiations.
Grant 5- A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, on days universally designated to foster certain religious intentions (...the pastoral care of the sick and infirm…), piously assist at celebrations of this kind; however, those who pray for these same intentions may gain a partial indulgence.
Grant 8- A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who 1° receive Holy Communion for the first time or devoutly assist at the first Holy Communion of others;
As mentioned above, Masses don’t carry indulgences usually, but participating in Masses that have an additional occasion do, at times, carry indulgences based off those occasions. Grant 8 covers Masses in which First Communions take place, and that grant of a plenary indulgence will continue past the Jubilee Year. However, other sacraments of Christian Initiation occasions, namely confirmation and baptism, would not be available after the end of the Jubilee year.
As for ritual Masses for the Anointing of the Sick, I think that this could count as an occasion of celebration (even within a Mass) for the universal intention of ‘the pastoral care of the sick and infirm.’ I could be wrong. I’m not so familiar with the plenary indulgence of this Grant 5. If I am wrong in this matter, this action will not offer an indulgence after the Jubilee year. If I am right in this matter, this action will offer an indulgence on one day within a usual year. (February 11this World Day of the Sick)
6. Action: [Do] a celebration of the Word of God
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
Grant 16- A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who assist with attention and devotion at other occasions of the preaching of the Word of God.
I assume that these two indulgence grants are meant to be the same thing. So, on an average year, occasions of the preaching of the Word of God would only offer a partial indulgence. In the Jubilee year, this is elevated to a Plenary indulgence when on a Pilgrimage, or a Pious Visits to Sacred Places. After the Jubilee year, this grant will return to a partial indulgence again.
7. Action: [Do] the Liturgy of the Hours (office of readings, lauds, vespers)
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
Grant 15- A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who for their personal edification devoutly spend time in mental prayer. There are also several grants where certain parts of the Liturgy of the Hours are granted a partial indulgence. Certain Marian prayers in particular. Therefor, it is safe to say that after the Jubilee year, this grant for this action will return to a partial indulgence.
8. Action: [Do] the Via Crucis (aka. Stations of the Cross)
Verdict: Encourage, but not limited to the Jubilee year.
G13- 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.
This grant has more information explaining it’s application. But as far as the Jubilee goes this isn’t something that is limited only to this special year. At any time (now or after this year has ended) anyone making ‘The Way of the Cross’ (aka. Stations of the Cross) may gain a plenary indulgence, at basically any church (or other location) which has the 14 crosses/stations.
9. Action: [Do] the Marian Rosary
Verdict: Encourage, but not limited to the Jubilee year.
G17 - §1 A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who1° 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.
This grant also has more information explaining it’s application. And, like the Stations of the Cross mentioned above, praying a Marian Rosary in the way described for this Jubilee Year also will extend to after the year has ended. For the Jubilee indulgence there is a list of church-locations, but in truth any church-location will offer a plenary indulgence, even during the Jubilee year.
10. Action: [Do] the recitation of the Akathist hymn;
Verdict: Encourage, but not limited to the Jubilee year.
G23- 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.
The Akathist hymn and the Marian Rosary are usually grouped together in regards to how they can be gained. I think this is because they are both similar Marian Prayers, but according to one’s culture they may prefer one over the other. For example, the Akathist hymn is listed under PRAYERS OF THE EASTERN CHURCHES, while the Marian Rosary is commonly accepted by the Roman/Latin Rite.
But anyway, the point of explaining this is just to point out that that the situation for this Hymn is the same as the Rosary (and the Stations of the Cross). These things in particular are in a list of 4 to 5 actions that offer a plenary indulgence on any and/or every day of the year, and not restricted to the Jubilee year.
11. Action: [Do] a penitential celebration (which ends with the individual confessions of the penitents, as established in the Rite of Penance (form II))
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
Defined by some Catholic sources: a “Penitential celebrations, mentioned in the Rite of Penance (nos. 36-7), are beneficial in fostering the spirit and virtue of penance among individuals and communities; they also help in preparing for a more fruitful celebration of the sacrament of penance.” Note, a Penitential celebration is not to be confused with the sacrament of confession or the penance that follows.
To be honest, what information I have found on penitential celebrations reminds me very much of Grant 10.
G10- §2 A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who take part in a month of recollection.
Looking at what is required of both a ‘penitential celebration’, and a ‘month[ly] recollection’ I assume that these two indulgence grants are similar, if not the same in nature. Monthly recollections have no solid format, but what you do is find a peaceful, possibly secluded place. Going into a church is fitting. There, you would probably pray, read scripture, read other faith-based works, and do an examination of conscience in anticipation for the sacrament of reconciliation. This may also be done in an orchestrated event, if one’s priest is willing to lead these practices.
It sounds like Penitential celebrations is pretty much this same thing! With the exception that Monthly recollections may be done on your own, and that confession may not have to necessarily follow straight after, these two practices sound, to me, like they are nearly the same. Perhaps I’m wrong. But if I’m not wrong, that would mean that this action that is encouraged during the Jubilee year may still proceed to outside of the year (at least 12 times in any given year).
This last Action only applies to Indulgenced Pious Visits to Sacred Places, not to Indulgenced Pilgrimages.
12. Action: If, individually or in a group, [the faithful] devoutly visit any Jubilee site and there, for a suitable period of time, engage in Eucharistic adoration and meditation, concluding with the Our Father, the Profession of Faith in any legitimate form, and invocations to Mary, the Mother of God
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
G7- §1 A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who visit the Blessed Sacrament for adoration lasting at least a half hour; §2 A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who visit the Blessed Sacrament for adoration;
G33- A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who visit, and there devoutly recite an Our Father and the Creed, a minor basilica, the cathedral church, a parish church, an international, national, or diocesan shrine established by competent authority, etc. *on select days.
This final listed action, outside of the Jubilee year, will offer a plenary indulgence on some days of a given year (between 2-5 days depending on the location) in regards to Grant 33. Grant 7 will offer a plenary indulgence on every day of the year, just so long as the Eucharist is present (exposed or not) and the faithful adore it for a half an hour. The only reason I didn’t put that this indulgence will remain the same is because this action mentions meditation and an additional invocation/prayer for Mary, which would not usually be required.
Now we will be looking at Indulgenced Pious Visits to Sacred Places, and we will be looking at the Locations.
13. Location: the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, the Basilica of St Lawrence at the Verano, the Basilica of St Sebastian, "the seven Churches of Rome"
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
Grant 33- A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who visit, and there devoutly recite an Our Father and the Creed, [at] a minor basilica
a. on the solemnity of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul;
b. on the solemnity of its Titular;
c. on August 2, the day of the “Portiuncula” indulgence;
d. once a year, on a day chosen by the Christian faithful;
The classical churches that are included in "the seven Churches of Rome" pilgrimage are: Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Basilica di San Lorenzo fuori le mura, Basilica di Santa Croce di Gerusalemme, Basilica San Sebastiano fuori le mura. Notice that they are all a type of Basilica.
By virtue of location (as a sacred place), these Basilicas will offer a plenary indulgence on only four days of a given year. After looking at the actions offered by this Jubilee we have seen that there are some actions that can be done and gain a pleanry indulgence at virtually any church-location and on any day of the year. But there are some that also can only be done in these select Basilicas during the Jubilee year to gain a plenary indulgence. Regardless, these locations retain a ‘sacred place’ status at all times.
14. Location: the Sanctuary of Divine Love (the ‘Divino Amore’), the Church of the Holy Spirit in Sassia, the Church of St Paul at the Tre Fontane, the Church of St Paul at the Tre Fontane
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
Grant 33- A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who visit, and there devoutly recite an Our Father and the Creed, [at] a parish church
a. on the solemnity of its Titular;
b. on August 2, the day of the “Portiuncula” indulgence;
The Sanctuary of Divine Love is technically a church location (two churches actually) that also has a shrine. For this grouping, we will focus on the church aspect of the property.
For churches like these, if you were to specifically visit them in accordance with this grant 33, that would offer a plenary indulgence on 2 days of any given year. Some actions may lead to a plenary indulgence in other ways involving these churches, but those grants would be considered ‘something other’ than this Grant 33.
15. Location: the Roman Catacombs
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
Grant 33- §3 A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who devoutly visit one of the ancient Christian cemeteries or catacombs.
During the Jubilee year this indulgence is elevated to a Plenary indulgence (so long as an appropriate action is done with it). Once this special year ends, it will revert back to a partial indulgence.
16. Location: St Brigid at Campo de' Fiori, Santa Maria della Vittoria, Trinità dei Monti,
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
Grant 33- A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who visit, and there devoutly recite an Our Father and the Creed, [at] a parish church
a. on the solemnity of its Titular;
b. on August 2, the day of the “Portiuncula” indulgence;
To save on unnecessary explanations, please refer to “14. Location” for the case on Parish Church.
17. Location: the Basilica of Saint Cecilia in Trastevere, the Basilica of Sant'Augustine in Campo Marzio, St Francis (Minor Papal Basilicas in Assisi), Our Lady of the Angels (Minor Papal Basilicas in Assisi), Our Lady of Loreto (Pontifical Basilica), Our Lady of Pompeii (Pontifical Basilica), St Anthony in Padu (Pontifical Basilica), any minor basilica
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
Grant 33- A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who visit, and there devoutly recite an Our Father and the Creed, [at] a minor basilica
a. on the solemnity of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul;
b. on the solemnity of its Titular;
c. on August 2, the day of the “Portiuncula” indulgence;
d. once a year, on a day chosen by the Christian faithful;
To save on unnecessary explanations, please refer to “13. Location” for the case on Basilicas
18. Location: Any cathedral church
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
Grant 33- A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who visit, and there devoutly recite an Our Father and the Creed, [at] the cathedral churcha. on the solemnity of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul,b. on the solemnity of its Titular;c. on the liturgical celebration of the Cathedral of St. Peter, the Apostle;
d. on the dedication of the Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior;e. on August 2, the day of the “Portiuncula” indulgence;
For cathedral churches, if you were to specifically visit them in accordance with this grant 33, that would offer a plenary indulgence on 5 days of any given year. Again, some actions may lead to a plenary indulgence in other ways, but those grants would be considered ‘something other’ than merely piously visiting a location.
19. Location: Any co-cathedral church
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
Co-Cathedrals are cathedral churches that a Bishop may also work out of, which also has the ‘bishop’s seat.’ (the bishop’s seat, aka. ‘cathedra’ is a crucial aspect of any legitimate cathedral). Grant 33 does not explicitly mention co-cathedrals, however I am under the impression that they are essentially the same thing as a standard cathedral. Therefore, I would revert back to “18. Location” for the case on cathedrals.
20. Location: Any Marian sanctuary,
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
Sanctuary is a broad term that essentially means “sacred space.” Even though that means that this would refer to Marian Churches, Cathedrals, and Basilicas too, we have already gone over the information for all of those. We covered basilicas in “13. Location”; parish churches in “14. Location”; and cathedral churches in “18. Location.” All of that information would apply to any one of these ecclesial buildings under the patronage of Mary. What we have not covered though is Shrines! So, to not be redundant, we will address Marian sanctuaries that are Shrines.
Grant 33- A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who visit, and there devoutly recite an Our Father and the Creed, [at] an international, national, or diocesan shrine established by competent authority
a. on the solemnity of its Titular;b. once a year, on a day chosen by the Christian faithful;c. as often as they assist in a group pilgrimage visiting the shrine;
With the condition that any Shrine is Marian, the Jubilee year indulgence expands a plenary indulgence to any day it applies (any day of a pious visit), rather then just on these 2 days + occasions of pilgrimage which would apply to a usual year. Remember also that we examined in part 1 the difference between a “pious visit”, and a “pilgrimage.” I don’t believe that the Jubilee year erases the usual plenary indulgence that can be gained by a pilgrimage visit to a shrine. Only that a devout visit to a shrine has been elevated/established for the Jubilee year.
21. Location: Any national or international sanctuaries
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
As far as sanctuaries or “sacred spaces” go, almost all of these can be covered in the categories of basilica, cathedral church, shrine, or parish church. All of these we have covered. I think then that this particular “location” is not so much about adding new locations, but rather highlighting certain locations. National and international. These would be well recognized holy sites within a nation, like a designated national cathedral, or a well known grotto, or something like that. For example, the ‘Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception’ is highly-recognized as a national Basilica for American, located in the American capital of Washington, D.C. Alternatively, the ‘National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes’ is a Shrine site located and highly-recognized in France. Such locations like these are what this qualifier means when it says national or international sanctuaries
22. Location: any distinguished collegiate church or sanctuary designated by the diocesan bishop or Eparchy
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
Grant 33- A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who visit, and there devoutly recite an Our Father and the Creed, [at] a parish church
a. on the solemnity of its Titular;
b. on August 2, the day of the “Portiuncula” indulgence;
To save on unnecessary explanations, please refer to “14. Location” for the case on Parish Church. The only other note I would like to add is that only churches (or sanctuaries) that are appropriately designated by one’s diocesan bishop or Eparchy would apply to the Jubilee indulgence. This is different then the case for cathedrals/co-cathedrals, where an appropriate visit to any of them would apply for the Jubilee year indulgence.
And that concluded the charts from above for Indulgenced Pilgrimages, Indulgenced Pious Visits to Sacred Places, and Actions. B we’re not done yet!!! Now we will move onto Works of mercy and penance.
Paragraph 1. Those who participate in popular missions, spiritual exercises, or formation activities (specifically on documents of Vatican II and/or the Catechism) held in a church or other suitable place may obtain the Jubilee Indulgence
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
G16- §1 A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who on the occasion of a mission have heard some of the sermons and are present for the solemn conclusion of the mission.
Regarding G16 and “missions,” This indulgence granted for the year, and this grant that is offered at any time appear to be virtually the same. The only possible differences would be that Jubilee year would allow that someone can participate in other aspect of popular missions and/or would not have to do multiple things (ex: both heard some sermons AND be present for the solemn conclusion).
Note: I assume all mission activities are held in a church or other suitable place, so that would not be a difference
G10- §1 A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who spend at least three entire days in the spiritual exercises of a retreat.
Regarding G10 and “spiritual exercises.” Similar to the what I said with the missions grant, these two look virtually the same. The only exceptions may be, firstly, the finer details are more relaxed for the Jubilee year (that is, one would not have to spend three days in a spiritual exercise). Secondly, the grant does not mention that these exercises need to be held in a church or other suitable place, but the Jubilee indulgence does.
G6- A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who teach or study Christian doctrine.
Regarding G6 and “formation activities,” these two may actually be a little more different then the first two grants that we mentioned. The changing of phrases from “teach or study” to “formation activities” doesn't strike me as too different, simply because activities can be used as a form of study or teaching.
But being held in a church or other suitable place is rather different, because grant 6 doesn’t imply that it needs to be done anywhere special. That is, the grant may be fulfilled by reading the catechism in your own kitchen for example. But the Jubilee indulgence requires that one would be somewhere more suitable, and that these activities would be ‘held’. So these activities/studies/teachings would have to be semi-organized. Another difference between what is offered in this Jubilee year vs. what is usually available is that this Grant has been elevated from a partial indulgence to a plenary indulgence. After the year’s end, it will revert back to a partial indulgence.
Paragraph 2. Despite the usual rule of one-plenary-indulgence-per-day, the faithful who have carried out an act of charity on behalf of the souls in Purgatory, if they receive Holy Communion (within a Eucharistic celebration: aka. Mass) a second time that day, can obtain the plenary indulgence twice on the same day, applicable only to the deceased
Verdict: Limited to the Jubilee year/will cease at the year’s end.
ALL PLENARY INDULGENCE GRANTS:
This special condition (gaining a second plenary indulgence in a day) is not offered in usual indulgence times. One exception is given in Grant 12 regarding one’s own death (which I assume Grant 12 would be the only grant exempt from this list of all grants).
So, what might be considered “an act of charity on behalf of the souls in Purgatory?” My mind is drawn to the acts we can do for them on a usual basis, especially the usually indulgenced ones mentioned in all of the grants! Not to mention the newly provided plenary indulgence that have been opened for this Jubilee year!
Norm 3 states: “The faithful can obtain partial or plenary indulgences for themselves, or they can apply them to the dead by way of suffrage.” So all plenary-indulgence actions can be seen as “pre-certified grants of indulgence.” Otherwise, because this Jubilee indulgence isn’t specific, there may be other acts that can warrant an indulgence. Having a Mass said for the poor souls, praying a chaplet, devoutly lighting a candle. Things like these may provide an indulgence as well, as long as they are devoutly done on behalf of the poor souls in purgatory.
That being said, it would be my personal recommendation that you stick to actions that already carry plenary indulgences (which can be offered for souls normally). I recommend this because other actions may gain a plenary indulgence, but we know these other actions do gain plenary indulgences.
All of this information must be combine with the understanding that we are able to gain Eucharistic communion twice in one day. The faithful are allowed by the Church to receive twice a day, but the second time must be in the context of a Mass. (This is a more recent change to the Code of Cannon Law).
Paragraph 3. In Order to be a “tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships” the Indulgence is linked, and the faithful are encouraged to carry out works of charity or mercy. Especially “corporal works of mercy: to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, heal the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead." Also the "the spiritual works of mercy: to counsel the doubtful, instruct the ignorant, admonish sinners, comfort the afflicted, forgive offenses, bear patiently those who do us ill, and pray for the living and the dead"
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
General Grant 2- A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who, led by the spirit of faith, give compassionately of themselves or of their goods to serve their brothers in need.
This Jubilee indulgence draws to mind general grant 2 (GG2). This grant would cover all of these works, but only grant a partial indulgence on a usual year. The Jubilee year appears to elevate this to a plenary indulgence.
Paragraph 4. “The faithful will be able to obtain the Jubilee Indulgence if they visit, for an appropriate amount of time, their brothers and sisters who are in need or in difficulty (the sick, prisoners, lonely elderly people, disabled people…).” “The faithful can repeat these visits throughout the Holy Year, even daily, acquiring a plenary indulgence each time.”
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
General Grant 2- A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who, led by the spirit of faith, give compassionately of themselves or of their goods to serve their brothers in need.
I would again say that this would be covered by GG2, and have these visits elevated to a plenary indulgence, where on a usual year these visits may only offer a partial indulgence.
I am interested in the additional phrase saying that the faithful can gain this plenary indulgence repeatedly with every visit (limited to once a day). I may say from that, that this might mean that the other plenary indulgences can’t be repeated through the year… but I’m not sure that’s what it’s trying to imply. My reasoning is that, sometimes phrases like this aren’t meant to disqualify other things, but rather they are meant to emphasis something. (I have seen similar verbal situations in other indulgence materials). So I think that’s what’s happening here. This phrase is given because the Pope would REALLY like for us to visit our brothers and sisters who are in need or in difficulty, not because piously visiting a cathedral and doing the liturgy of hours would not offer an indulgence with every occasion that we did it.
Paragraph 5. The Jubilee Plenary Indulgence can also be obtained through initiatives that put the spirit of penance into practice, in a concrete and generous way
In particular the penitential nature of Friday can be rediscovered through abstaining, in a spirit of penance, at least for one day of the week from futile distractions (real but also virtual distractions, for example, the use of the media and/or social networks),
from superfluous consumption (for example by fasting or practicing abstinence according to the general norms of the Church and the indications of the Bishops),
as well as by donating a proportionate sum of money to the poor;
by supporting works of a religious or social nature, especially in support of the defense and protection of life in all its phases, but also by supporting the quality of life of abandoned children, young people in difficulty, the needy or lonely elderly people, or migrants from various countries “who leave their homelands behind in search of a better life for themselves and for their families” (…);
it can also be obtained by dedicating a reasonable portion of one’s free time to voluntary activities that are of service to the community or to other similar forms of personal commitment.
Verdict: Some aspects will cease after the Jubilee year, but not all of it.
For all of these bullet points at least one of these General Grants comes to mind:
General Grant 2- A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who, led by the spirit of faith, give compassionately of themselves or of their goods to serve their brothers in need.
General Grant 3- A partial indulgence is granted to the Christian faithful who, in a spirit of penance, voluntarily abstain from something that is licit for and pleasing to them.
General Grant 4- A partial indulgence is granted to the Christian faithful who, in the particular circumstances of daily life, voluntarily give explicit witness to their faith before others.
By donating of ourselves, supporting, or abstaining, each one of these bulleted items would be covered with a partial indulgence during a usual year. Only during this Jubilee year do these kind of works elevate to a plenary indulgence.
Paragraph 6. All diocesan bishops and eparchs (*) on the occasion of the main celebration in the cathedral and in the individual jubilee churches, may impart the Papal Blessing with the attached plenary indulgence to the faithful.
Verdict: Encourage, but not limited to the Jubilee year.
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.
Norm 7 states: Eparchial and diocesan bishops, and others equivalent to them in law even if they lack episcopal rank, have the right from entrance upon their pastoral office: 2. to impart in their respective eparchies or dioceses, according to the prescribed formula, the Papal Blessing with a plenary indulgence three times a year on solemn feasts which they have designated, even if they only assist at the Mass. This Blessing is to be given at the conclusion of Mass in place of the customary blessing, according to the norms given in the Ceremonial of Bishops.
So, as you can see, this grant already exists and is virtually the same. And certainly this Jubilee year wouldn’t hinder these bishops and eparchs from giving this blessing three times during this special year. My only question about what might make this different is: would bishops and eparchs be allowed to grant this blessing four times instead, since this is a special occasion other then their usual solemn feasts? That might be worth looking into in your own respective area.
Anyway! That concludes our examination of the 2025 Jubilee indulgences! I would have liked summarize all the information that we’ve just gone over, but with how long this article already is, I dare not to. So, instead, please keep a look-out for another article that I will likely do. Because I really want to make a simplified-printable version of this information.
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