An indulgence is attached to the work: PROFESSION OF FAITH AND ACTS OF THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES
For Who: Individuals on their Baptismal Anniversary; Anyone
For When: Easter Vigil, Baptismal Anniversary; (partial)Anytime
For Where: Easter Vigil Mass; Anywhere
Partial or Plenary: Both
As written in the Manuel of Indulgences, under Grant 28:
28
PROFESSION OF FAITH AND ACTS OF THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES
§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.
§2 A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who1° renew their baptismal vows in any formula;2° devoutly sign themselves with the sign of the cross, using the customary words: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen; 3° devoutly recite either the Apostles’ Creed or the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed;
4° recite an Act of Faith, Hope, and Charity in any legitimate formula.
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So, a PLENARY Indulgence is granted to those who, in addition to fulfilling all the other requirements, renew their baptismal vows at the Easter Vigil or on their Baptismal Anniversary
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A PARTIAL Indulgence is granted to those who participate in Professions and Acts of Faith and Virtue who either intending to only obtaining a partial indulgence this way, or to those attempting to gain a plenary indulgence but they fail to obtain it in some way or another. Some examples of what this may look like are:
1) One renews their baptismal vows, but on any other day and with any formula
2) One signs themselves with the Sign of the Cross (+ words)
3) One recites a Creed or Act of Faith, Hope, and Charity
4) The other conditions necessary to gain a Plenary Indulgence are less than fulfilled.
5) One’s state of heart is contrite, but not fully detached from affections towards sin.
6)Though qualifiable in every other way, a Plenary Indulgence has already been obtained for that day in another way.
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Examining further, please allow me to address portions of is indulgence. So that we may ponder deeper as to what are reasonable perimeters and expectations to have when attempting to gain this indulgence:
Addressing “Easter Vigil” or “on the anniversary of their own Baptism”
The Easter Vigil, of course, takes place the night before Easter Day. This is the day that the Catholic Church invites and distributes the sacraments to converts or re-joining Catholics who may have only been partially raised in the faith (received some but not all of the sacraments.) The Easter Vigil also is seen as a sort of symbology for ‘dying with Christ,’ like we do in baptism, who will then be raised the next day. Therefor it is very fitting that Baptismal- related activities and indulgences would take place on this night. Note here too that this indulgence specifically states “Easter Vigil” and not “Easter Day.”
For one’s own baptismal anniversary, if you’ve been brought into the church past infancy your baptismal anniversary is likely on the Easter Vigil. For others it is not uncommon to be baptized as an infant on almost any day of the year (usually close to one’s birth). For those who were baptized as infants, your baptismal vows were recited on your behalf through your parents and those participating in your baptismal right. And, if because of this you don’t know what your anniversary date is, the Church keeps records. You should be able to message the parish you were baptized at, or your diocese, and they should have a record/file for you.
Fun fact, before birth certificates (which only started to gain popularity around the world in the beginning of the 1800’s) one’s baptismal record was their documentation of birth. Shakespeare had a son, of whom we only know was alive at one time because of his baptismal record. Also, I personally knew within my own life an elderly man who didn’t have a birth certificate. Only a baptismal record.
Addressing “baptismal vows”
The Church promotes the renewal of our baptismal vows, especially every year on the Easter solemnity (Easter Vigil and Day Of), using a ‘legitimately approved formula” lead by the priest at Mass. This renewal prayer has been placed below, at the bottom of the article, and is good for a Plenary indulgence every Vigil and a partial indulgence every Easter Day. Also attached below is an additional, single-person prayer of baptismal renewal. This prayer is also a legitimately approved formula.
These legitimate formulas may also be used on any day of the year for a partial indulgence, but that is not required. Any formula, even non-legitimate ones can be said for the same partial indulgence any day of the year as well. I do not know exactly what this would have to incorporate (if one topic/promise can be addressed or if all topics/promises have to be addressed) but it appears that the Church is likely leaving that up to personal discretion.
Addressing “sign of the cross”
This is a very ancient and traditional action within the Catholic Church, so many (if not all) Catholics should be familiar with it. I remember, when studying St. George, that this action was mentioned in the account of his life when he was deciding who was the strongest master to serve. He died in the year 303 a.d.
The Wikipedia page for making the sign of the cross has this general knowledge to share: Making the sign of the cross (Latin: signum crucis), or blessing oneself or crossing oneself, is a ritual blessing made by members of some branches of Christianity. This blessing is made by the tracing of an upright cross or Greek cross across the body with the right hand, often accompanied by spoken or mental recitation of the Trinitarian formula: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." The use of the sign of the cross traces back to early Christianity, with the third-century treatise Apostolic Tradition directing that it be used during the minor exorcism of baptism, during ablutions before praying at fixed prayer times, and in times of temptation.
Addressing “Apostles’ Creed or the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed”
These two creeds are designed to convey the major points of the Catholic/Christian Faith. Although there is a legend that the Apostles Creed was composed by the actual 12 Apostles, it is more so believed that this prayer developed more organically and was recorded to be a prayer taught to catechumens (persons receiving instructions in order to be baptized).
The Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed (or Nicene Creed) was first adopted at the First Council of Nicaea in 325. In 381, it was amended at the First Council of Constantinople. This Creed was adopted to confront popular heresies at the time, and convey more major points that where critical to the faith.
Both of these prayers are still used regularly in the Church to day. Fun fact: there is a third approved, but lesser know Catholic Creed called ‘The Athanasian Creed.’ Although interesting, this would not be applicable for this indulgences. But maybe this could be applied for other indulgences that a require the recitation of “The Creed?” Maybe.
Addressing “Act of Faith, Hope, and Charity”
This ‘Act,’ are not addressed with total consistently in the Catholic sources I looked at in my research. Nonetheless, what this appears to be are 3 consecutive prayers: for Faith, Hope, and Love (aka Charity). I will provide here two sources that provide prayers for these virtues. The prayers are slightly different but I do believe they are of a “legitimate formula.” The prayers provided though the USCCB (United States Counsel of Catholic Bishops) is most definitely a legitimate formula. Prayers provided through the website OurLadysWarriors is very likely a legitimate formula.
And with that we wrap up Grant 28. For those promised prayers, please scroll down a little farther to get to the end of the article. Otherwise I hope this has been helpful. Indulgences can be a confusing topic so please feel free to leave your thoughts and questions. I hope to address all I can so that we can come to know this hidden gem of the Catholic Faith.
Renewal of Baptismal Promises (Duo prayer)
V. Do you reject Satan? R. I do.
V. And all his works? R. I do.
V. And all his empty promises? R. I do.
V. Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth? R. I do.
V. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father? R. I do.
V. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting? R. I do.
V. God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever. R. Amen.
The Renewal of Baptismal Promises (single prayer)
I, -Name.-, who through the tender mercy of the Eternal Father was privileged to be baptized "in the name of the Lord Jesus" [Acts 19, 5] and thus to share in the dignity of his Divine Sonship, wish now in the presence of this same loving Father and of his only-begotten Son to renew in all sincerity the promises I solemnly made at the time of my holy Baptism. I, therefore, now do once again renounce Satan; I renounce all his works; I renounce all his allurements. I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, Who was born into this world and Who suffered and died for my sins and rose again. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Having been buried with Christ unto death and raised up with Him unto a new life, I promise to live no longer for myself or for that world which is the enemy of God but for Him who died for me and rose again, serving God, my heavenly Father, faithfully and unto death in the holy Catholic Church. Taught by our Savior's command and formed by the word of God, I now dare to say: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
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