Two opportunities to receive a plenary indulgence, which removes the temporal punishment due for sin, will be offered for the faithful beginning in December.
From Dec. 8, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, through Feb. 2, the feast of the Presentation in the Temple of Our Lord Jesus Christ, a plenary indulgence can be obtained by visiting a church run by the Franciscan order and praying in front of the church’s Nativity scene.
In the Diocese of Columbus, Columbus Christ the King and St. Thomas the Apostle churches are run by the Capuchin Franciscan Friars. The faithful can receive the plenary indulgence by praying in front of the Nativity scene at either church.
The usual conditions to receive an indulgence also must be met: detachment from all sin, including venial sin (sins pertaining to a less serious matter); sacramental confession and Holy Communion within a reasonable time period; and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father.
The plenary indulgence for praying in front of a Nativity scene at a Franciscan-run church was granted by Pope Francis to celebrate the 800th anniversary of Christmas in Greccio, Italy. St. Francis of Assisi created the first live Nativity scene in Greccio in 1223.
People who are ill or unable to participate physically can receive the plenary indulgence by offering their sufferings to the Lord or through practices of piety, such as prayers and hymns.
A plenary indulgence can also be obtained during the Jubilee Year lasting December 2023-June 2025. The Jubilee commemorates the 350th anniversary of the apparitions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, which took place in Paray-le-Monial, France.
During the Jubilee Year, which begins Dec. 27, the anniversary of the first apparition, and concludes June 27, 2025, the date of the solemnity of the feast of the Sacred Heart, an indulgence can be obtained by making a pilgrimage to Paray-le-Monial, known as the City of the Eucharist.
Bishop Earl Fernandes will lead a diocesan pilgrimage to France, including a visit to Paray-le-Monial, from May 31 to June 9, 2024 for the Jubilee.
For people who cannot make the diocesan pilgrimage, a plenary indulgence can be obtained locally.
Four sites in the diocese will be places of pilgrimage during the Sacred Heart Jubilee year: Cardington Sacred Hearts Church, Columbus Sacred Heart Church, Coshocton Sacred Heart Church and New Philadelphia Sacred Heart Church.
The faithful can receive the plenary indulgence during the Jubilee Year after meeting the following conditions: visiting one of the local pilgrimage sites; assisting at Mass; reciting prayers, such as the Litany of the Sacred Heart; making a Holy Hour of reparation; and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father.
To receive the plenary indulgence, the usual conditions – detachment from sin, sacramental confession and Holy Communion within a reasonable time period and prayer for the Holy Father’s intentions – also must be met.
An indulgence is a grace granted by the Catholic Church through the merits of Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints.