Ave Maria Meditations
Here’s how you can obtain a plenary indulgence for souls in Purgatory any time between November 1-8.
From The Enchiridion of Indulgences:
Visit to a Church or Oratory on All Souls Day. A plenary indulgence, applicable ONLY to the souls in purgatory, may be obtained by those who, on All Souls Day, piously visit a church, public oratory, or for those entitled to use it, a semi-public oratory. It may be acquired either on the day designated as All Souls Day or, with the consent of the bishop, on the preceding or following Sunday or the feast of All Saints. On visiting the church or oratory it is required that one Our Father and the Creed be recited.
Visit to a Cemetery. Only applicable to the souls in Purgatory when one devoutly visits and prays for the departed. A Plenary Indulgence is bestowed for this work each day between November 1 and November 8.
In addition to visiting these places and offering the prescribed prayers, the general requirements of indulgences must be met, which are:
- Pray for the intentions of our Holy Father
- Worthily receive Holy Communion (ideally on the same day, or within several days if that is not possible)
- Go to Confession within about 20 days before or after the indulgenced work
- Be in a state of grace at the time the indulgenced work is completed
- For a plenary indulgence it is also necessary to have a complete detachment from sin, even venial sin
What is a plenary indulgence?
A plenary indulgence is a grace granted by the Catholic Church through the merits of Jesus Christ, Mary, and all the saints to remove the temporal punishment due to sin. The indulgence cleanses a person of all temporal punishment due to sin. However, it must always be accompanied by a full detachment from sin.
