The Apostolic Penitentiary announced that the celebration of the First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, July 25, will offer the possibility of obtaining a plenary indulgence.
Vatican City (22/06/2021, 17:15, Gaudium Press) The Apostolic Penitentiary (Holy See) announced today that the celebration of the First World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, on July 25, will feature the possibility of obtaining a plenary indulgence.
Plenary Indulgence and the Code of Canon Law
The Code of Canon Law (see canon 992) and the Catechism of the Catholic Church (#1471) define Indulgences as ” the remission before God of temporal punishment for sins whose guilt is already forgiven,” which the faithful obtain under “certain and defined conditions by the assistance of the Church. ”
The possibility of obtaining a plenary indulgence, under the conditions established in Catholic doctrine (sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion and prayer for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff) extends to the celebration presided over by the Pope and to those that will take place throughout the world. It is also extended to those who dedicate time to “in person or virtually do visit elderly brothers and sisters in need or in difficulty.”
“The plenary indulgence may also be granted to the sick elderly and to all those who, unable to leave their homes for a serious reason, join spiritually in the sacred functions of the World Day, while offering to the Merciful God their prayers, pains and sufferings of their lives,” adds the decree signed by Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, major penitentiary.
Pope Francis to celebrate a Mass for the Elderly in St. Peter’s Basilica
The Pope will celebrate a Mass with grandparents and the elderly of the Diocese of Rome on July 25 at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Basilica, with limited participation.
The Holy See has recommended that each diocese and parish dedicate one of its Sunday Masses to celebrate the First World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly. It also encourages Eucharistic celebrations or times of prayer to be organized in hospitals and homes for the elderly on the days preceding the event. (JSG)
