After the eternal effects of our sins have been forgiven in the Sacrament of Confession, Indulgences are a beautiful way that Jesus, through His Church (the Body of Christ here on earth) continues to offer his healing grace for the temporal effects of our sin.
Although our sin is forgiven through confession, God allows the temporal punishments to remain – wounded memories or relationships, physical and emotional consequences to sin – because they teach us that sin harms us and prompt us to continual conversion.
Our unhealthy attachments to sin must be purified so we can stand before His Holy Presence for all eternity.
Purification is not limited to indulgences. A person also may do acts of charity and penitence – that purify us also. But to receive the special grace of indulgences, we must:
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Fully repent and confess our sins, for detachment of sin
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Attend Mass faithfully and receive Holy communion
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Pray for the intentions of the Holy Father
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And then offer the prayers and sacrifices that the Church suggests
For a plenary indulgence for a soul in purgatory, we are asked to pray:
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the Creed and an Our Father for the soul
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OR visit a cemetery to pray for the soul during the month of November