Plenary Indulgence

In observance of the Jubilee, the Church offers pilgrims the gift of indulgences as a chance to open themselves to the purity of heart and penitential spirit associated with this special year. 

An indulgence allows us to experience God's love here on earth. It's an expression of God's mercy beyond justice because of His infinite love.  The grace of santification is inexhuastable.

An indulgence, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, is "a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints." "An indulgence is partial or plenary according as it removes either part or all of the temporal punishment due to sin." Indulgences may be applied to the living or the dead.

In short, although we receive forgiveness for sins through the sacrament of Reconciliation, further purification is needed.

"Every sin 'leaves its mark'" even after a person has received forgiveness and absolution through the sacrament of reconciliation, Pope Francis wrote in the document proclaiming the Holy Year. "Sin has consequences, not only outwardly in the effects of the wrong we do, but also inwardly, inasmuch as 'every sin, even venial, entails an unhealthy attachment to creatures, which must be purified either here on earth, or after death, in the state called Purgatory,'" he wrote, quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church. (USCCB Website article - Vatican norms for Jubilee indulgence include pilgrimage, penance, service)

Most people associate the word "indulgence" historically to the late Middle Ages when they were bought and sold.  While the concept of an indulgence has not changed, the treatment of an indulgence as a commodity is not in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church.  God's mercy cannot be purchased but is given because of His infinite love.

How to obtain a plenary indulgence

In practical terms, the experience of God's mercy, a plenary indulgence, involves some spiritual act prescribed by the Holy Father.  Those who are unable to make a jubilee pilgrimage due to illness or other circumstances (i.e. advanced age, incarceration, etc.) can spiritually join a pilgrimage and receive the indulgence. 

Here are the basic elements to receive an indulgence:

In addition to begin truly repentant and desiring the indulgence, the faithful are to go to confession, attend Mass and pray for the Pope and his intentions.  And also complete one of the following:

• Undertake a pious pilgrimage to a Sacred Site: devoutly participate in Holy Mass, anointing of the sick, celebration of the Word of God, Liturgy of the Hours, the Way of the Cross, the Marian Rosary, the recitation of the Akathist hymn, or penitential celebration.
• Visit a Sacred Site: engage in Eucharistic adoration and meditation, concluding with the Our Father, the Profession of Faith, and the invocations to Mary, Mother of God.
• Participate in: a mission, spiritual exercises or formation activities on the documents of the Second Vatican Council and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, held in a church or other suitable place (this is not limited to the designated Sacred Sites).
• Participate in works of mercy and penance: the corporal or spiritual works of mercy, visiting the sick and imprisoned, feeding the hungry, welcoming the migrant, observing the penitential nature of Friday, etc...