November is dedicated to praying for the faithful departed, and the Church offers a special opportunity during the first eight days of the month to obtain plenary indulgences for the souls in Purgatory.
What is a Plenary Indulgence?
An indulgence is the remission of the temporal punishment due to sins that have already been forgiven. A plenary indulgence removes all of that temporal punishment and may be applied to yourself or to a soul in Purgatory. If all the conditions are not met, a partial indulgence may still be obtained.
How to Gain a Special Indulgence
Each day from November 1-8, a plenary indulgence may be gained by visiting a cemetery and praying for the deceased (even silently), and meeting the usual conditions:- Receive Holy Communion
- Pray for the intentions of the Holy Father
- Have the intention of gaining the indulgence
- Be detached from all sin, even venial sin
- Receive the Sacrament of Confession
- One sacramental confession may suffice for several indulgences
- Holy Communion and prayer for the Pope's intentions should be offered for each indulgence
- If complete detachment from sin is lacking, a partial indulgence may still be obtained
Today ONLY (All Souls Day)
In addition to the cemetery visit, today only (November 2), a plenary indulgence may also be gained by:- Visiting a church or oratory
- Praying an Our Father and the Apostles' Creed
- Following the usual conditions (listed above)