155. Gaining an Indulgence

The Way of the Cross (1) and the Angelus (2) are two common and profitable prayers richly indulgenced. The Church attaches indulgences, by the blessing of a Bishop or Priest with special faculties, to such objects of devotion as rosaries, crucifixes, medals, images, etc., provided they are made of strong material. The indulgences are lost if the article is sold, not so if it is given away or loaned.

What must we do to gain an indulgence?

— To gain an indulgence, we must be in the state of grace, have at least a general intention of gaining the indulgence, and perform the works required by the Church.

1. We must be in the state of grace; that is, we must be free from all mortal sin. We must, besides, be free from all venial sin as well as all affection for sin, before we may gain a plenary indulgence.

One in mortal sin has incurred the punishment of hell, and cannot gain an indulgence. One in venial sin can gain a partial indulgence. In such a case the indulgence satisfies for sins already forgiven, but not for the unrepented venial sin.

2. We must have the intention at least in a general way, of gaining the indulgence. We do not gain an indulgence by accident, without wishing to gain one.

It is well in our morning prayers to make a general intention to gain all the indulgences possible during the day. It is not necessary to express the intention each time an indulgence is to be gained.

3. We must perform the works required by the Church; we must comply exactly with the particular conditions required for the indulgence.

We must say the prayer or do the good work enjoined in the grant of indulgence. When vocal prayers are prescribed as a condition, the words must be pronounced with the lips, and not merely read or said mentally.

What are the "usual conditions" required for a plenary indulgence?

— The "usual conditions" required for a plenary indulgence are: confession and Holy Communion, and praying for the intentions of the Pope.

1. These "usual conditions" are required in addition to the works prescribed for the particular indulgence.

Another condition often required is a visit to a church.

2. When confession and communion are conditions attached to a particular day, the confession may be made during the preceding or following week, and the communion on the vigil of the day, or in the week following.

More than one plenary indulgence may be gained at one and the same communion, provided the other works prescribed be accomplished severally.

3. Persons who are accustomed to confess at least twice a month need not do so especially, in order to gain the indulgence. Daily communicants have the same privilege.

This exemption from confession, however, does not hold good for jubilee indulgences. For those, confession and communion must be offered each time a plenary indulgence is to be gained.

4. When a visit to a church is prescribed on a certain day, the visit may be made at any time from noon of the preceding day to midnight of the day itself. Except when a particular church is specified, any church may be visited.

5. The "Pope's intentions" usually refer to the welfare of the Church and religion. They include, unless otherwise stated: (1) the exaltation of the Church; (2) the uprooting of heresies; (3) peace among Christian nations; (4) the propagation of the faith; and (5) the conversion of sinners.

For the Pope's intentions, it is sufficient to say five Our Fathers, five Hail Marys, and five Glory be to the Father, unless otherwise specified.

What objects are commonly indulgenced?

— Indulgences may be attached to crucifixes, medals, rosaries, statues, and such objects, provided they are not made of very fragile material.

1. The object must be blessed by the Pope, or by some priest possessing the powers. The indulgence is lost if the object is more than half destroyed, or if it is sold, but not if the object is lent or given away.

All the members of a family may use the same rosary or crucifix, gaining indulgences attached.

2. More than one indulgence may be attached to the same rosary or crucifix. However, one and the same prayer will not avail to gain all the indulgences attached to any one object, unless expressly declared.

All crosses for rosaries brought from Palestine, which have touched the holy places, have the Apostolic indulgences attached to them.

What are some important indulgenced prayers?

— Of the hundreds of indulgenced prayers, some of the most important are: the Rosary, the Way of the Cross, the Angelus, the Litany of the Blessed Virgin, acts of faith, hope and charity, the prayers of Mass, and prayers at the hour of death.

1. The indulgence attached to some prayers may be gained every time they are said; in the case of other prayers the indulgence is gained only once a day.

Short prayers enriched with a plenary indulgence are: the prayer before a crucifix after Holy Communion, the prayer of resignation to God's will, and the prayer to Christ King of all.

2. There are many other indulgences, granted for the recital of certain prayers. Numerous ejaculations are heavily indulgenced, such as:

"Blessed be God!" "My Jesus, mercy!" "Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy kingdom come!" "All for thee, most Sacred Heart of Jesus!"

3. The indulgence attached to a prayer is lost by any change, addition, or omission substantially altering the prayer.

The Pontifical Academy of Sciences

Science is not repugnant to Religion; both should interest the true Catholic. Science is the work of God's Hands; Religion, the work of His Spirit. Besides the well-known and numerous scientific societies established in our Catholic universities, the Church has the outstanding Pontifical Academy of Sciences, founded in 1603, among the first members of which was Galileo himself.

The purpose of the Academy is to promote the study of the physical, mathematical and natural sciences. It was reorganized by Pope Pius XI in 1936; he then chose seventy outstanding scientists from all countries, and made them members for life. In 1941 the Pope Pius XI prize was conferred on Dr. Harlow Shapley of Harvard University.