Special Indulgences to the Faithful

As Vicar of Christ and the Holy Father, Pope Francis on 20 March 2020 promulgated through the Apostolic Penitentiary a decree which provides for the faithful to gain a plenary indulgence as the world faces the Coronavirus pandemic.

In summation, the plenary indulgence is granted as follows:
▪ To the faithful who are suffering from the Coronavirus or
Who are being quarantined by order of health authorities in hospitals or in the own homes

(1) When with a spirit detached from any sin can be spiritually united through any media with the celebration of the Mass or by praying the Holy Rosary, the Way of the Cross or any devotion;

(2) Recite the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer and any invocation to the Blessed Virgin Mary;

(3) Offering this trial in a spirit of faith in God and charity to others
and fulfill the usual conditions to obtain a plenary indulgence (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer according the Holy Father’s intentions as soon as possible

▪ To health care workers, family members of those who are ill, indeed all who expose themselves to the risk of contracting the disease as they care for the sick are granted a plenary indulgence under the same conditions as cited above.

▪ To all the faithful
(1) Who read Holy Scripture for at least 30 minutes, or reciting the Holy Rosary, or by making the Way of the Cross, or praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

and

(2) imploring God to end the pandemic, provide relief to those who are afflicted and eternal salvation for those whom the Lord has called to Himself are granted a plenary indulgence under the same conditions cited above.

▪ To those who find themselves unable to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum, the Church entrusts each and every one to divine Mercy by virtue of the communion of saints and grants a plenary indulgence at the point of death provided making a recommendation for use of a cross or crucifix the person is duly disposed and having recited a few prayers during their lifetime (In this case only, the Church makes up for the three usual conditions required.)

Summary provided by the Diocesan Director of Liturgy 22 March 2020