Receiving a Plenary Indulgence during the Celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the Diocese of Dallas

From the beginning of the Anniversary Year July 15, 2015, until its end on July 14, 2016, an opportunity is given for the faithful to receive a Plenary Indulgence, decreed by Pope Francis and with the pastoral intention of Bishop Kevin J. Farrell.

Throughout the Diocese of Dallas, Catholics should follow the guidelines, below, in order to obtain remission from all temporal punishment due to sin.

What is a Plenary Indulgence?

Temporal punishment can be thought of as a type of “penalty” that remains even after sacramental confession. Some type of restorative, purifying “process” can take place either in this life or in purgatory. Because the baptized are members of the Communion of Saints, some or all of the temporal punishment for sin is removed by the Plenary Indulgence, and any remaining restoration/reparation happens when we exchange holiness with one another. A Plenary Indulgence, when the conditions are met, is a way of recognizing that all of what we have and do comes from Christ.

Although some may need to deal with the personal guilt that occasionally lingers after forgiveness, we can see the work of God’s grace as we pray and do good works to become better Christians. Also, it is possible to obtain a Plenary Indulgence for oneself or for one who is already deceased, so that the deceased person’s “time” in Purgatory can be reduced.

What is the source of a Plenary Indulgence?

The source of a Plenary Indulgence is Christ himself, and the Church which has a treasury of spiritual goods that is unending and inexhaustible.

What can I do to receive a Plenary Indulgence in the Diocese of Dallas throughout the 125th Anniversary of the Diocese?

A Catholic should first:

1. Receive the Sacrament of Penance (make a sacramental confession)
2. Receive Holy Communion during a celebration of the Eucharist
3. Pray for the intentions of the Holy Father

And in addition (select one)

• Participate in a sacred celebration of the Eucharist at the Cathedral of the Virgin of Guadalupe, remaining in prayer which would include the Our Father, a Profession of Faith (Nicene or Apostles’ Creed), and prayers to the Blessed Mother.

OR

• On any day of their choosing, the person makes a “pious visit” to a Catholic baptistery—or other place in which they received the Sacrament of Baptism-- and there they renew their baptismal promises.

During the 125th Anniversary Year of the Diocese of Dallas, Bishop Farrell will designate additional days that Catholics in the diocese, after attending a solemn celebration of the Eucharist or Liturgy of the Hours in a sacred place, may receive a Plenary Indulgence. These opportunities will be announced through the pastor, the diocesan website or newspaper, or be made known at diocesan celebrations at the Cathedral or in a sacred place indicated by Bishop Farrell.