Indulgences

In Catholic teaching, an indulgence is the remission of temporal punishment for sins that have already been forgiven through confession. Think of it this way – when you do something wrong, there are two consequences: the guilt of the sin itself and the damage or effects that sin causes (temporal punishment). Confession forgives the sin, but the effects remain.

A partial indulgence removes part of this temporal punishment, while a plenary indulgence removes all of it. It’s like having all the lingering effects of forgiven sins completely wiped away.

Let’s use the car example – it really helps explain how indulgences work:

You accidentally scratch Dad’s car. When you tell him honestly, he forgives you (like confession forgives sins). But the scratch is still there! That’s like temporal punishment – the effects that remain even after forgiveness.

Now imagine three scenarios:

1. You work to fix the scratch yourself – that’s like doing penance to address temporal punishment

2. Dad helps you fix part of the scratch – that’s like a partial indulgence, reducing some of the remaining effects

3. Dad completely repairs the car for you – that’s like a plenary indulgence, removing all the remaining effects

The Church teaches that temporal punishment can carry over even after death (that’s what purgatory is about). During special times like the Jubilee Year, the Church offers ways to receive plenary indulgences – like walking through the Holy Doors with the right spiritual preparation – which removes all temporal punishment from previously forgiven sins.

Think of it as the difference between being forgiven and having everything fully restored. The forgiveness comes first through confession (like Dad forgiving you), but the indulgence helps repair the lasting damage (like fixing the car).

To receive a plenary indulgence, Catholics must:

– Go to confession

– Receive communion

– Pray for the Pope’s intentions

– Complete the specified indulgence action (like walking through a Holy Door during the Jubilee)

– Be free from attachment to all sin, even venial sin

Catholics can receive plenary indulgences through these actions amongst others::

• Adoring the Blessed Sacrament for at least 30 minutes
• Reading Scripture for at least 30 minutes
• Praying the rosary in church, with family, or in a religious community
• Walking a Way of the Cross at legitimately erected stations (In the church)
• Attending the first Mass of a newly ordained priest
• Attending World Youth Day
• Using religious objects blessed by the Pope (but only on the feast of Saints Peter and Paul)
• Visiting a parish church on its patronal feast 

Catholics can receive indulgences for themselves or apply them to the souls in purgatory. During the 2025 Jubilee Year, walking through a Holy Door with the right spiritual preparation grants a plenary indulgence.

Historical note: Indulgences became controversial during the Reformation when some church officials wrongly sold them for money. The Catholic Church reformed the practice at the Council of Trent, prohibiting any financial transactions for indulgences.

See YOUCAT Question n. 160 – Can we help the departed who are in the condition of purgatory?