Further reflections on my visit to Mass. The Mass I attended was the Divine Mercy Mass where congregants can receive Plenary Indulgence for sins already forgiven. (Definition: By an Indulgence is meant the remission of the temporal punishment due to us on accont of our sins.) I asked a congregant, if these sins are already forgiven why do people need an indulgence? He didn’t have an answer. Here is what must be done:
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.
Source
I’ve got to admit this is pretty crazy to me.
