APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION

15 Pages·2009·0.06 MB·English

by  Geoffrey K Mondello

APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION
OFPOPEPAULVI
INDULGENTIARUM DOCTRINA
WHEREBYTHEREVISION
OFSACRED INDULGENCES IS PROMULGATED
Chapter1
1.Thedoctrine andpracticeofindulgences which havebeeninforceformanycenturies in
theCatholicChurch have asolidfoundationindivinerevelation (1)which comes from the
Apostles and"develops intheChurchwiththehelpoftheHolySpirit,"while"as the
centuries succeedoneanothertheChurchconstantlymoves forwardtowardthefullness of
divinetruthuntil thewords ofGodreachtheir completefulfillment inher."(2)
Foran exact understandingofthis doctrine andof its beneficial useit is necessary,however,
toremembertruths whichtheentireChurchilluminedbytheWordof God has always
believedandwhichthebishops,thesuccessors of theApostles, andfirst andforemost among
them theRomanPontiffs, thesuccessors ofPeter, havetaught bymeans of pastoral practice
as well as doctrinal documents throughout thecourseofcenturies tothis day.
2. It is adivinelyrevealedtruththat sins bringpunishments inflictedbyGod's sanctityand
justice.Thesemust beexpiatedeitheronthis earththroughthesorrows, miseries and
calamities ofthis lifeand aboveall throughdeath,(3)orelseinthelifebeyondthroughfire
andtorments or "purifying"punishments.(4)Thereforeit has always beentheconvictionof
thefaithful that thepaths ofevil are fraught with manystumblingblocks andbring
adversities, bitterness andharm tothosewhofollowthem.(5)
Thesepunishments areimposedbythejust and merciful judgment ofGodforthepurification
ofsouls, thedefenseofthesanctityofthemoral orderandtherestorationofthegloryofGod
toits full majesty.Everysininfact causes aperturbation intheuniversal orderestablished
byGodinHis ineffable wisdom andinfinitecharity,andthedestructionofimmensevalues
withrespect tothesinner himselfandtothehumancommunity.Christians throughout
historyhavealways regardedsinnot onlyas atransgressionofdivinelaw but also—though
not always inadirect andevident way—as contempt forordisregardofthefriendship
betweenGod andman,(6)just as theyhaveregardedit as areal andunfathomableoffense
against Godandindeed anungrateful rejectionoftheloveofGodshownus throughJesus
Christ,whocalledhis disciples friends andnot servants. (7)
3. It is thereforenecessaryforthefull remissionand—as it is called—reparationofsins not
onlythat friendshipwithGodbereestablished byasincereconversionofthemindand
1
amends madefortheoffenseagainst his wisdom andgoodness,but also that all thepersonal
as well as social values andthoseoftheuniversal orderitself,whichhavebeendiminishedor
destroyedbysin,befullyreintegratedwhetherthroughvoluntaryreparationwhichwill
involvepunishment orthrough acceptanceofthe punishments establishedbythejust and
most holywisdom ofGod,from whichtherewill shineforththroughout theworldthe
sanctityandthesplendor ofhis glory.Theveryexistenceandthe gravityof thepunishment
enableus tounderstandthefoolishness andmaliceofsinandits harmful consequences.
That punishment orthevestiges of sinmayremain tobeexpiatedorcleansedandthat theyin
fact frequentlydoevenaftertheremissionofguilt(8)is clearlydemonstratedbythedoctrine
onpurgatory. Inpurgatory, infact,thesouls ofthose"whodiedinthecharityof Godand
trulyrepentant,but beforesatisfyingwithworthyfruits ofpenanceforsins committedand
foromissions (9)are cleansedafterdeathwithpurgatorial punishments. This is also clearly
evidencedintheliturgical prayers withwhichthe ChristiancommunityadmittedtoHoly
Communionhas addressedGodsincemost ancient times: "that we,whoarejustlysubjected
toafflictions becauseof oursins, maybemercifullyset free from them for thegloryofthy
name.(10)
Forall menwho walkthis earthdailycommit at least venial sins;(11)thus all needthemercy
ofGodtobeset free from thepenal consequences ofsin.
Chapter2
4.Therereigns amongmen,bythehiddenandbenignmysteryofthedivinewill,a
supernatural solidaritywherebythesinofoneharms theothers just as theholiness ofone
also benefits theothers.(12)Thus theChristianfaithful giveeachothermutual aidtoattain
theirsupernatural aim.A testimonyofthis solidarityis manifestedinAdam himself,whose
sinis passedonthrough propagationtoall men.But ofthis supernatural solidaritythe
greatest andmost perfect principle,foundationandexampleis Christ himselftocommunion
withWhom Godhas calledus.(13)
5. IndeedChrist "committednosin," "sufferedfor us,"(14) was woundedforouriniquities,
bruisedforoursins...byhis bruises wearehealed."(15)
Followinginthefootsteps ofChrist,(16)theChristianfaithful have always endeavoredto
helponeanotheronthepathleadingtotheheavenlyFatherthroughprayer, theexchangeof
spiritual goods andpenitential expiation.Themoretheyhavebeen immersedinthefervorof
charity,themoretheyhaveimitatedChrist inhissufferings, carryingtheir crosses in
expiationfortheirownsins andthoseofothers, certainthat theycouldhelp theirbrothers to
obtainsalvationfrom GodtheFatherofmercies.(17)This is theveryancient dogmaofthe
CommunionoftheSaints,(18)wherebythelifeof eachindividual son ofGodinChrist and
throughChrist is joinedbya wonderful linktothelifeofall his otherChristianbrothers in
thesupernatural unityof theMystical BodyofChrist till,as it were,asingle mystical person
2
is formed.(19)
Thus is explainedthe"treasuryoftheChurch"(20)whichshouldcertainlynot beimagined as
thesum total ofmaterial goods accumulatedinthe courseofthe centuries, but theinfinite
andinexhaustiblevaluetheexpiationandthemerits ofChrist Our LordhavebeforeGod,
offeredas theywereso that all ofmankindcould beset freefrom sinand attaincommunion
withtheFather. It is Christ theRedeemerhimselfinwhom thesatisfactions andmerits ofhis
redemptionexist andfindtheirforce.(21)This treasuryalso includes thetrulyimmense,
unfathomableand everpristinevaluebeforeGod oftheprayers and good works ofthe
BlessedVirginMaryand all thesaints, whofollowinginthefootsteps of Christ the Lordand
byhis gracehavesanctifiedtheirlives andfulfilledthemissionentrustedtothem bythe
Father. Thus whileattainingtheirownsalvation,theyhave also cooperated inthesalvation
oftheirbrothers intheunityoftheMystical Body.
"Forall whoareinChrist,havinghis spirit,form oneChurchand cleavetogetherinhim"
(Eph.4:16).Thereforetheunionofthewayfarers withthebrethrenwhohavegonetosleep
inthepeaceofChrist is not intheleast weakened orinterrupted,but onthe contrary,
accordingtotheperpetual faithoftheChurch,is strengthenedbyacommunicationof
spiritual goods. Forbyreason ofthefact that thoseinheaven aremorecloselyunitedwith
Christ,theyestablish the wholeChurchmore firmlyinholiness,lendnobilitytotheworship
whichtheChurchoffers toGodhereon earth andinmanyways contributetobuildingit up
evermore(1Cor.12: 12-27).For aftertheyhavebeenreceivedintotheirheavenlyhomeand
arepresent tothe Lord (2 Cor.5:8),throughhim andwithhim andinhim theydonot cease
tointervenewiththeFatherforus, showingforth themerits whichtheyhavewononearth
throughtheoneMediator betweenGod andman,Jesus Christ (1Tim.2:5),byservingGod
inall things andfillingupintheirflesh thosethings which arelackingofthesufferings of
Christ forhis Bodywhichis theChurch(Col.1:24).Thus bytheirbrotherlyinterest our
weakness is greatlystrengthened.(22)
Forthis reason there certainlyexists betweenthefaithful whohavealreadyreachedtheir
heavenlyhome,thosewhoareexpiatingtheirsins inpurgatoryandthosewhoarestill
pilgrims onearth aperennial linkofcharityandanabundant exchangeof all thegoods by
which,withtheexpiationofall thesins oftheentireMystical Body,divine justiceis
placated.God's mercyis thus ledtoforgiveness,sothat sincerelyrepentant sinners may
participateas soon as possibleinthefull enjoyment ofthebenefits ofthe familyofGod.
Chapter3
6.TheChurch,awareof thesetruths eversinceits origins, formulatedand undertookvarious
ways ofapplyingthefruits ofthe Lord's redemptiontotheindividual faithful andofleading
them tocooperateinthe salvationoftheirbrothers, so that theentirebodyoftheChurch
might bepreparedinjusticeandsanctityforthecompleterealizationofthekingdom of God,
whenhewill beall things toall men.
3
TheApostles themselves,infact,exhortedtheirdisciples toprayforthesalvationof
sinners.(23)This veryancient usageoftheChurch has blessedlypersevered,(24)particularly
inthepracticeofpenitents invokingtheintercessionoftheentire commu-nity, (25)andwhen
thedeadareassistedwith suffrages, particularlythrough the offeringofthe Eucharistic
Sacrifice.(26)Goodworks, particularlythosewhichhumanfrailtyfinds difficult,were also
offeredtoGodforthesalvationofsinners from theChurch's most ancient times.(27)And
sincethesufferings ofthemartyrs forthefaithandforthelawofGodwereconsideredof
great value,penitents usedtoturntothemartyrs, tobehelpedbytheirmerits toobtainfrom
thebishops amorespeedyreconciliation.(28) Indeedtheprayerand good works ofthe
upright were consideredtobeofso great valuethat it couldbeassertedthe penitent was
washed,cleansed andredeemedwiththehelpoftheentireChristianpeople.(29)
It was not believed,however,that theindividual faithful bytheirownmerits aloneworked
fortheremissionofsins oftheirbrothers, but that theentireChurch as asinglebodyunited
toChrist its Headwas bringingabout satisfaction.(30)
TheChurchofthe Fathers was fullyconvincedthat it was pursuingtheworkofsalvationin
community,andundertheauthorityofthepastors establishedbytheHolySpirit as bishops
togovern theChurchof God.(31)
Thebishops,therefore,prudentlyassessingthese matters, establishedthe mannerandthe
measureofthesatisfactiontobemadeandindeed permittedcanonical penances tobe
replacedbyotherpossiblyeasierworks, whichwouldbeuseful tothecommongoodand
suitableforfosteringpiety, tobeperformedbythe penitents themselves andsometimes by
others amongthefaithful.(32)
Chapter4
7.TheconvictionexistingintheChurchthat thepastors oftheflockofthe Lord couldset the
individual freefrom the vestiges ofsins byapplyingthemerits ofChrist andofthesaints led
gradually,inthecourseofthecenturies andunder theinfluenceoftheHolySpirit's
continuous inspirationofthepeopleofGod,tothe usageofindulgences whichrepresenteda
progressioninthedoctrineanddisciplineofthe Churchratherthana change.(33) From the
roots ofrevelationanew advantage grewinbenefit to thefaithful andtheentireChurch.
Theuseofindulgences, whichspread gradually, became averyevident fact inthehistoryof
theChurchwhentheRomanPontiffs decreedthat certainworks useful tothecommongood
oftheChurch "couldreplace all penitential practices"(34)andthat the faithful whowere
"trulyrepentant andhad confessedtheirsins"and performedsuchworks were granted "by
themercyof AlmightyGodand...trustinginthemerits andtheauthorityof his Apostles"and
"byvirtueofthefullness oftheapostolicpower," not onlyfull andabundant forgiveness,but
themost completeforgiveness fortheir sins possible."(35)
For "theonly-begottensonofGod...has wonatreasureforthemilitant Churchandhas
4
entrustedit toblessedPeter,thekeybearerofheaven,andtohis successors, Christ's vicars on
earth,that theymaydistributeit tothefaithful fortheirsalvation,applyingit mercifullyfor
reasonablecauses toall whoare repentant andhaveconfessedtheirsins, at times remitting
completelyandat times partiallythetemporal punishment duesin inageneral as well as in
special ways insofaras theyjudgeit tobefittingin theeyes ofthe Lord. It is knownthat the
merits oftheBlessedMotherofGodandofall the elect...addfurthertothis treasure.(36)
8.Theremissionofthetemporal punishment dueforsins alreadyforgiveninsofaras their
guilt is concernedhas beencalledspecifically"indulgence."(37)
It has somethingincommonwithotherways or means ofeliminatingthe vestiges ofsinbut
at thesametimeit is clearlydistinct from them.
In anindulgencein fact,theChurch,makinguseofits poweras ministerof theRedemption
ofChrist,not onlyprays but byan authoritativeinterventiondispenses tothefaithful suitably
disposedthetreasuryofsatisfactionwhichChrist andthesaints wonfortheremissionof
temporal punishment.(38)
Theaim pursuedbyecclesiastical authorityingrantingindulgences is not onlythat of
helpingthefaithful toexpiatethepunishment due sinbut also that ofurgingthem toperform
works ofpiety,penitence andcharity—particularlythosewhichleadto growthinfaithand
whichfavorthecommon good.(39)
Andifthefaithful offerindulgences insuffrage forthedead,theycultivate charityinan
excellent wayandwhile raisingtheirminds toheaven, theybringawiserorderintothe
things ofthis world.
TheMagisterium ofthe Churchhas defended and illustratedthis doctrineinvarious
documents.(40)Unfortunately,thepracticeofindulgences has at times been improperlyused
eitherthrough "untimelyandsuperfluous indulgences"bywhichthepower ofthekeys was
humiliatedandpenitential satisfactionweakened,(41)orthroughthecollectionof"illicit
profits"bywhichindulgences wereblasphemouslydefamed.(42) But theChurch,in
deploringandcorrectingtheseimproperuses "teaches andestablishes that theuseof
indulgences must bepreservedbecauseit is supremelysalutaryfortheChristianpeopleand
authoritativelyapproved bythesacredcouncils; andit condemns withanathemathosewho
maintaintheuselessness ofindulgences ordenythepoweroftheChurchto grant them."(43)
9.TheChurchalso inour days theninvites all its sons toponderandmeditatewell onhow
theuseofindulgences benefits theirlives andindeedall Christiansociety.
Torecall brieflythemost important considerations,this salutarypracticeteaches us inthe
first placehowit is "sad andbittertohaveabandoned...the LordGod."(44) Indeedthe
faithful whentheyacquireindulgences understand that bytheirownpowers theycouldnot
remedytheharm theyhavedonetothemselves andtotheentirecommunitybytheirsin,and
theyarethereforestirred toasalutaryhumility.
5
Furthermore,theuseofindulgences shows us howcloselywe areunitedtoeachotherin
Christ,andhowthesupernatural lifeofeachcan benefit others so that thesealso maybe
moreeasilyandmorecloselyunitedwiththe Father.Thereforetheuseofindulgences
effectivelyinfluences charityin us anddemonstrates that charityinanoutstandingmanner
whenweofferindulgences as assistancetoourbrothers whorest inChrist.
10. Likewise,thereligious practiceofindulgences reawakens trust andhopeinafull
reconciliationwithGodtheFather, but insucha wayas will not justifyanynegligencenorin
anywaydiminish theeffort toacquirethedispositions requiredforfull communionwith
God.Althoughindulgences areinfact free gifts, nevertheless theyare grantedfortheliving
as well as forthedeadonlyondeterminedconditions. Toacquirethem,it is indeedrequired
ontheonehandthat prescribedworks beperformed,andontheotherthat thefaithful have
thenecessarydispositions, that is tosay,that theyloveGod,detest sin,placetheirtrust inthe
merits ofChrist andbelievefirmlyinthe great assistancetheyderivefrom theCommunion
ofSaints.
In addition,it shouldnotbeforgottenthat byacquiringindulgences thefaithful submit
docilelytothelegitimate pastors oftheChurch andaboveall tothesuccessorofBlessed
Peter,thekeybearerofheaven,towhom theSaviorhimselfentrustedthetask offeedinghis
flockand governinghis Church.
Thesalutaryinstitutionofindulgences thereforecontributes inits ownwaytobringingit
about that theChurchappearbeforeChrist without blemish ordefect,but holyand
immaculate,(45)admirablyunitedwithChrist inthesupernatural bondofcharity.Sincein
fact bymeans ofindulgences members oftheChurchwhoareundergoingpurificationare
unitedmorespeedilytothoseoftheChurchinheaven,thekingdom ofChrist is through
thesesameindulgences establishedmoreextensivelyandmorespeedily"until weall attainto
theunityofthe faithand ofthedeepknowledgeof theSonofGod,toperfect manhood,to
thematuremeasureofthefullness ofChrist."(46)
11.ThereforeHolyMotherChurch,supportedbythesetruths, whileagain recommendingto
thefaithful thepracticeofindulgences as somethingverydeartotheChristianpeopleduring
thecourseofmanycenturies andinourdays as well—this is provenbyexperience—does
not inanywayintendtodiminish thevalueofothermeans ofsanctificationandpurification,
first andforemost amongwhicharetheSacrificeoftheMass and theSacraments,
particularlytheSacrament ofPenance. Nordoes it diminish theimportanceofthose
abundant aids whichare calledsacramentals or of theworks ofpiety,penitenceand charity.
All theseaids havethis incommonthat theybringabout sanctificationandpurificationall
themoreefficaciously,themorecloselythe faithful areunitedwithChrist theHead andthe
BodyoftheChurchbycharity.Thepreeminence ofcharityintheChristianlifeis confirmed
also byindulgences. For indulgences cannot beacquiredwithout asincere conversionof
mentality("metanoia")andunitywithGod,towhichtheperformanceoftheprescribed
works is added.Thus the orderof charityis preserved,intowhichis incorporatedthe
remissionofpunishment bydistributionfrom the Church's treasury.
Whilerecommendingthat its faithful not abandonorneglect theholytraditions oftheir
6
forebears but welcomethem religiouslyas aprecious treasureoftheCatholicfamilyand
dulyesteem them,theChurchnevertheless leaves it toeachtousethesemeans of
purificationandsanctificationwiththeholyandfreelibertyofthesons of God. It constantly
reminds them,though,of thosethings whicharetobegivenpreferencebecausetheyare
necessaryorat least betterand more efficacious fortheattainment ofsalvation.(47)
HolyMotherChurchhas thendeemedit fitting,in orderto give greaterdignityandesteem to
theuseofindulgences, tointroducesomeinnovations intoits disciplineofindulgences and
has accordinglyorderedtheissuanceof newnorms.
Chapter5
12.Thefollowingnorms introduceappropriatevariations inthedisciplineofindulgences,
takingintoconsiderationtheproposals advancedbythe episcopal conferences.
Therulings oftheCode ofCanon Law andofthe decrees oftheHolySeeconcerning
indulgences whichdonot gocountertothenewnorms remainunchanged.
Indrawingupthenewnorms thesethree considerations havebeenparticularlyobserved: to
establish anewmeasurement forpartial indulgences; toreduceconsiderablythenumberof
plenaryindulgences; and,as fortheso-called "real"and "local"indulgences, toreducethem
andgivethem asimpler andmoredignifiedformulation.
Regardingpartial indulgences, withtheabolishment oftheformerdeterminationofdays and
years, anewnorm ormeasurement has beenestablishedwhichtakes intoconsiderationthe
actionitselfofthefaithful Christianwhoperforms aworktowhich anindulgenceis
attached.
Sincebytheir acts thefaithful canobtain, inadditiontothemerit whichis theprincipal fruit
oftheact,a furtherremissionoftemporal punishment inproportiontothedegreetowhich
thecharityoftheoneperformingthe act is greater,andinproportiontothedegreetowhich
theact itselfis performed inamoreperfect way,it has beenconsidered fittingthat this
remissionoftemporal punishment whichtheChristianfaithful acquirethroughan action
shouldserveas themeasurement forthe remissionofpunishment whichtheecclesiastical
authoritybountifullyadds bywayofpartial indulgence.
It has also been consideredfittingtoreduce appropriatelythenumberofplenaryindulgences
inorderthat thefaithful mayholdthem in greater esteem andmayinfact acquirethem with
theproperdispositions. Forindeedthe greaterthe proliferation(ofindulgences)theless is
theattentiongiventhem; what is offeredinabundanceis not greatlyappreciated.Besides,
manyofthefaithful need considerabletimetopreparethemselves properlyforacquisitionof
aplenaryindulgence.
As regards the"real" and "local"indulgences, not onlyhas theirnumberbeenreduced
7
considerably,but thedesignations themselves have beenabolishedtomakeit clearerthat
indulgences areattached totheactions performed bythefaithful andnot to objects orplaces
whicharebut theoccasionfortheacquisitionoftheindulgences. In fact,members ofpious
associations canacquiretheindulgences properto theirassociations without therequirement
oftheuseofdistinctiveobjects.
NORMS
n.1—Anindulgenceis theremissionbeforeGod ofthetemporal punishment duesins
alreadyforgivenas far as theirguilt is concerned, whichthefollowerofChrist withthe
properdispositions andundercertaindeterminedconditions acquires throughthe
interventionoftheChurchwhich,as ministeroftheRedemption,authoritativelydispenses
andapplies thetreasuryofthesatisfactionwonbyChrist andthesaints.
n.2—Anindulgenceis partial orplenaryaccordingas it removes eitherpart orall ofthe
temporal punishment due sin.
n.3—Partial as well as plenaryindulgences can always beappliedtothedeadbywayof
suffrage.
n.4—Apartial indulgencewill henceforthbedesignatedonlywiththewords "partial
indulgence"without anydeterminationofdays or years.
n.5—Thefaithful whoat least withacontriteheart perform an actiontowhichapartial
indulgenceis attachedobtain,inadditiontotheremissionoftemporal punishment acquired
bythe actionitself,anequal remissionofpunishment throughtheinterventionoftheChurch.
n.6—Aplenaryindulgencecanbeacquiredonlyonceaday,except forthe provisions
containedinn.18forthosewhoareonthepoint ofdeath.Apartial indulgencecanbe
acquiredmorethanonce aday,unless thereis anexplicitindicationtothecontrary.
n.7—Toacquire aplenaryindulgenceit is necessarytoperform theworktowhichthe
indulgenceis attachedandtofulfill threeconditions: sacramental confession,Eucharistic
Communionand prayerfortheintentions oftheSupremePontiff. It is furtherrequiredthat
all attachment tosin,eventovenial sin,beabsent.
If this dispositionis inanywayless thancomplete,oriftheprescribedthreeconditions are
not fulfilled,theindulgencewill beonlypartial,except fortheprovisions containedinn.11
forthosewhoare "impeded."
n.8—Thethree conditions maybefulfilledseveral days beforeor aftertheperformanceof
theprescribedwork; nevertheless it is fittingthat Communionbereceived andtheprayers for
theintentions oftheSupremePontiffbesaidthesamedaytheworkis performed.
8
n.9—Asinglesacramental confessionsuffices for gainingseveral plenaryindulgences, but
Communionmust bereceivedandprayers forthe SupremePontiff's intentions recitedforthe
gainingof eachplenaryindulgence.
n.10—Theconditionof prayingfortheSupreme Pontiff's intentions is fullysatisfiedby
recitingone "Our Father" andone "Hail Mary"; nevertheless theindividual faithful are free
toreciteanyotherprayer accordingtotheirownpietyanddevotiontoward theSupreme
Pontiff.
n.11—Whilethereis nochangeinthefacultygrantedbycanon935ofthe CodeofCanon
Lawtoconfessors tocommuteforthosewhoare "impeded"eithertheprescribedworkitself
ortherequiredconditions [fortheacquisitionofindulgences],local Ordinaries can grant to
thefaithful overwhom theyexerciseauthorityinaccordancewiththelaw,andwholivein
places whereit is impossibleorat least verydifficult forthem toreceivethesacraments of
confessionandCommunion,permissiontoacquire aplenaryindulgencewithout confession
andCommunionprovidedtheyaresorryfortheir sins andhavetheintentionofreceiving
thesesacraments as soon as possible.
n.12—Thedivisionofindulgences into"personal," "real" and "local"is abolishedso as to
makeit clearerthat indulgences are attachedtotheactions ofthefaithful eventhough at
times theymaybelinked withsomeobject orplace.
n.13—TheEnchiridion Indulgentiarium [collectionofindulgencedprayers andworks] is to
berevisedwithaviewto attachingindulgences onlytothemost important prayers andworks
ofpiety, charityandpenance.
n.14—Thelists andsummaries ofindulgences special toreligious orders, congregations,
societies ofthoselivingincommunitywithout vows, secularinstitutes and thepious
associations offaithful aretoberevised as soon as possibleinsuchawaythat plenary
indulgences maybe acquiredonlyonparticulardays established bythe HolySee actingon
therecommendationoftheSuperiorGeneral,orinthecaseofpious associations, ofthelocal
Ordinary.
n.15—Aplenaryindulgenceapplicableonlytothedead canbe acquiredinall churches and
publicoratories—andin semipublicoratories bythosewhohavetheright tousethem—on
November2.
In addition,aplenaryindulgencecanbe acquiredtwicea yearinparish churches: onthe
feast ofthe church's titularsaint andonAugust 2, whenthe "Portiuncula" occurs, oronsome
othermoreopportunedaydeterminedbytheOrdinary.
All theindulgences mentionedabovecanbe acquired eitheronthedays establishedor—with
theconsent oftheOrdinary—ontheprecedingorthefollowingSunday.
Otherindulgences attachedtochurches andoratories aretobe revised as soon as possible.
9
n.16—Theworkprescribedforacquiringaplenaryindulgenceconnected withachurchor
oratoryconsists inadevout visit andtherecitationofan "Our Father" and "Creed."
n.17—Thefaithful whousewith devotionanobject ofpiety(crucifix,cross,rosary,scapular
ormedal)properlyblessedbyanypriest,can acquireapartial indulgence.
But ifthis object ofpietyis blessedbytheSupremePontifforanybishop, thefaithful who
useit devoutlycanalso acquireaplenaryindulgenceonthefeast oftheholyApostles Peter
andPaul,providedtheyalso makeaprofessionof faithusinganylegitimateformula.
n.18—Tothefaithful indangerofdeathwho cannot beassistedbyapriest tobringthem the
sacraments andimpart theapostolicblessingwith its attendant plenaryindulgence(according
tocanon468,para.2oftheCodeofCanon Law) HolyMotherChurchnevertheless grants a
plenaryindulgencetobe acquired at thepoint ofdeath,providedtheyareproperlydisposed
andhavebeeninthehabit ofrecitingsomeprayers duringtheirlifetime.Touseacrucifix or
cross inconnectionwiththeacquisitionofthis plenaryindulgenceis alaudablepractice.
This plenaryindulgence at thepoint ofdeathcan beacquiredbythefaithful evenifthey
havealreadyobtained anotherplenaryindulgence onthesameday.
n.19—Thenorms establishedregardingplenaryindulgences, particularlythosereferredtoin
n.16,applyalso towhat uptonowhavebeenknown as the "toties quoties" ["as oftenas"]
plenaryindulgences.
n.20—HolyMotherChurch,extremelysolicitous forthefaithful departed,has decidedthat
suffrages canbeappliedtothem tothewidest possibleextent at anySacrificeoftheMass
whatsoever, abolishingall special privileges inthis regard.
Transitional Norms
Thesenewnorms regulatingtheacquisitionofindulgences will becomevalidthreemonths
from thedateofpublicationofthis constitutionintheActaApostolicaeSedis.
Indulgences attached totheuseofreligious objects whicharenot mentionedabovecease
threemonths afterthedateofpublicationofthis constitutionintheActaApostolicaeSedis.
Therevisions mentioned inn.14andn.15must besubmittedtotheSacred Apostolic
Penitentiarywithina year.Two years afterthedateofthis constitution,indulgences which
havenot been confirmed will becomenull andvoid.
Wewill that thesestatutes andprescriptions ofours beestablishednowand remaininforce
forthefuturenotwithstanding,ifit is necessaryso tostate,theconstitutionsandapostolic
directives publishedbyourpredecessors oranyotherprescriptions eveniftheymight be
worthyofspecial mentionorshouldotherwiserequirepartial repeal.
Givenat Romeat St.Peter's onJanuary1,theoctaveof theNativityof Our Lord Jesus
10