Pope Francis grants indulgences for IX World Meeting of Families

By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp

Those who participate in the events of the IX World Meeting of Families from August 21-26 either in person, through television or radio, or through a spiritual participation will be able to obtain a plenary indulgence according to a Decree dated 21 May 2018 published by the Apostolic Penitentiary. Pope Francis is offering this possibility so that those who participate will be “spiritually prepared in the best way possible”, the Decree says.

How to obtain the indulgences

For those participating physically in the events, the Decree says that the indulgence is granted to those who “devoutly participate at some event during the IX World Meeting of Families, with the usual conditions of Sacramental confession, reception of Communion, a prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father, and a heart completely detached from sin.

For those unable to attend the events in Dublin the Decree indicates that the indulgence is granted to those who in addition to the usual conditions are “united spiritually to the faithful present in Dublin, recite as a family an ‘Our Father’, the ‘Creed’ and other devout prayers to invoke from the Divine Mercy the indicated intention, particularly when the words of the Pontiff are transmitted by television or radio.”

Lastly, a Partial Indulgence has been granted to any member of the faithful who prays for families with a contrite heart while the World Meeting of Families takes place.

Intention for the World Meeting of Families

The Decree also states the intention that Pope Francis desires in granting these indulgences on the occasion of the World Meeting of Families: “That the faithful, truly penitent and motivated by charity, might dedicate themselves to the sanctification of the family, following the example of the Holy Father of Jesus, Mary and Joseph".