INDULGENCES FOR SOULS OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

On All Souls’ Day a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Holy Souls, is granted to those who visit any parish church or public oratory and there recite the Our Father and the Creed once. Every day from 1st to 8th November inclusive, a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Holy Souls, is granted to those who visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the departed. The usual conditions for indulgences apply:

1. Only one plenary indulgence can be granted per day.

2. It is necessary to be in the state of grace, at least by completion of the work.

3. Freedom from attachment to sin, even venial sin, is necessary to gain a plenary indulgence. To be free of attachment to sin means that there is no particular sin in our life that we are unwilling to renounce. If this condition is lacking, the indulgence is only partial.

4. Holy Communion must be received each time the indulgence is sought.

5. Prayers must be recited for the intentions of the Holy Father on each day the indulgence is sought. No particular prayers are prescribed. One Our Father and Hail Mary suffice.

6. A sacramental confession must be made within a week of completion of the prescribed work. One confession made during the week, made with the intention of gaining all the indulgences, suffices.