Plenary Indulgences

This list is a convenient compilation of all the ways to obtain a plenary indulgence. Note that in addition to the described work, obtaining a plenary indulgence also has the following conditions (see Norms which are summarized below):

• Sacramental confession. A single sacramental confession suffices for gaining several plenary indulgences; but Communion must be received and prayer for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff must be recited for the gaining of each plenary indulgence.
• Eucharistic Communion.
• Prayer for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff. The condition of praying for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff is fully satisfied by reciting one Our Father and one Hail Mary; nevertheless, each one is free to recite any other prayer according to his piety and devotion.
• It is further required that all attachment to sin, even venial sin, be absent. If the latter disposition is in any way less than perfect or if the prescribed three conditions are not fulfilled, the indulgence will be partial only, saving the provisions given in Norms 34 and 35.

Obtainable any time any place

• Reading of Sacred Scripture
• Recitation of the Marian Rosary (Rosarii marialis recitatio)
• Exercise of the Way of the Cross
• Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament

Obtainable on special occasions

• Papal Blessing - even by radio
• Closing Mass of a Eucharistic Congress
• During a Diocesan Synod
• During a Pastoral Visitation

Obtainable on special days

• 1st January
• Each Friday of Lent and Passiontide after communion
• Holy Thursday
• Good Friday
• Paschal Vigil
• Feast of Pentecost [26 May in 1996]
• Feast of Corpus Christi - 2nd Thursday after Pentecost
• Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus - 3rd Friday after Pentecost
• Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul - 29 June
• "Portiuncula" - 2 August
• November 1-8
• All Souls Day - November 2
• Last Day of the Year
• Visit to a Church or Oratory of Religious on the Feast of the Holy Founder
• Titular Feast of the Parochial Church
• Visit to a Church or an Altar on the day of its consecration

Obtainable on special days at special places

• Visit to the Patriarchal Basilicas in Rome
• Visit to the Stational Churches of Rome

Obtainable on special occasions in one's life

• First Communion
• Attending a mission
• Spiritual Exercises
• First Mass of newly-ordained Priests
• Jubilees of Sacerdotal Ordination
• The Moment of Death

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