Indulgences For The Poor Souls from November 1-8

[Cathleen]

 The current ecclesiastical regulations in force are as follows:

On All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2) a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Poor Souls, is granted to those who visit any parish church or public oratory and there recite one Our Father and one Credo.

On all the days from November 1 though November 8 inclusive, a plenary indulgence applicable only to the poor souls is granted to those who visit a cemetery and pray (even if only mentally) for the departed.

Conditions for both indulgences:

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; otherwise the indulgence is only partial. By this is meant attachment to a particular sin, not sin in general.

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

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

6. A sacramental concession must he 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.

Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine; et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace. Amen.

http://www.sspx.org/Seasonal/indulgences_for_poor_souls.htm

[Cathleen]

Dear departed +Fr. Hopkins used to say that stipends offered for the Holy Souls may be the investment that pays the highest dividends in this world and especially in the next.  I'm sure prayers done on their behalf carry the same "investment value."  They are very dear to God, and He rewards any efforts made on their behalf.

+Father had a great love for the Holy Souls and passed away on their feast day.  May God reward him and grant him eternal rest.

[Dawn Marie]

bump

[Dawn Marie]

Thank you for this clear, concise information.  I always get confused on the indulgences.

[Cathleen]

I have read in numerous places that it is a good idea to bring some holy water on visits to cemeteries, as holy water offers much relief to the souls in purgatory.  I think you can bless yourself with it, offering it to God for them, as well as sprinkling some on graves.  Someone correct me if I am wrong on this. 

Please don't get discouraged  if you feel you can't gain a plenary indulgence, for  you can at least try to gain a partial indulgence for the Poor Souls.  No good work or effort on their behalf is left unrewarded, as they are most dear to God, and I am sure they will gratefully pray for you as well.