The Catholic Defender: How Important Are Indulgences to a Christian
- Donald Hartley
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
In Catholic theology, indulgences are highly important as they represent a merciful gift from God, mediated by the Church, to remit the temporal punishment (purification) due to sins that have already been forgiven. They assist in healing the effects of sin, fostering spiritual growth, and helping souls in purgatory. Indulgences are not a substitute for confession, but rather a tool to deepen holiness.
There are two principle types of indulgences: A partial indulgence removes part of one's punishment or suffering
A partial indulgence in Catholicism is the remission of a portion of the temporal punishment (the consequences in purgatory) for forgiven sins, granted when a person performs a specific pious act with a contrite heart and the intention to receive it, like saying a short prayer, making the Sign of the Cross, or helping others. It differs from a plenary indulgence, which removes all temporal punishment, and can be gained frequently, even daily, by performing actions like devoutly reading Scripture or serving others.
Even after mortal sins are forgiven through confession, some temporal punishment (a need for purification) remains, often experienced in Purgatory.
An indulgence, whether partial or plenary, applies the merits of Christ and the saints to remit this punishment.
You must have the general intention to receive an indulgence and perform the specific action with a contrite heart. Examples include:
Saying a brief prayer like the Sign of the Cross, the Our Father, or the Hail Mary.
Reading Sacred Scripture devoutly (for less than half an hour).
Giving up something you enjoy.
Adding a pious invocation while doing daily duties.
There are four "general grants" that allow Catholics to gain a partial indulgence through daily life:
Pious Invocation: Raising one's mind to God with humble trust during daily duties (e.g., saying "Lord, have mercy").
Merciful Service: Giving of oneself or one’s goods to serve those in need in a spirit of faith.
Voluntary Abstinence: Freely giving up something pleasant (like a favorite food) in a spirit of penance.
Witness of Faith: Voluntarily giving an open witness of faith to others (e.g., teaching doctrine or praying in public).
A plenary indulgence A plenary indulgence is a Catholic spiritual act that removes all temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven. It acts as a full remission of punishment, cleansing the soul as if just baptized. To receive one, a person must be in a state of grace, have complete detachment from sin (even venial), go to confession, receive Communion, pray for the Pope's intentions, and perform a specific prescribed act.
It can be applied to oneself or to souls in Purgatory.
The individual must be in a state of grace (free from mortal sin).
It removes the temporal punishment (time in Purgatory) for sins.
The Church uses indulgences to encourage acts of piety, charity, and devotion.
The interior disposition must be one of complete detachment from all sin, including venial sin.
A recent sacramental confession is required
Reception of Holy Communion is necessary.
Prayers must be offered for the intentions of the Holy Father.
It draws upon the spiritual "treasury" of merits from Christ, Mary, and the saints.
Perform a prescribed act, such as a pilgrimage,, reading Scripture, or performing works of charity, typically within a 20-day window of the other conditions.
Visiting a designated holy site, especially during a Jubilee Year.
Performing Corporal or Spiritual Works of Mercy.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, praying the Rosary in a group, or receiving the Papal Blessing
Spending at least 30 continuous minutes in Eucharistic Adoration.
Reading or listening to the Bible for at least 30 minutes with due reverence.
Visiting a cemetery (Nov 1–8) or attending a church on the feast of its patron saint.
Reciting five decades of the Rosary in a church, family group, or religious community.
Piously making the Way of the Cross before legitimately erected stations.
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