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Indulgences

We receive the forgiveness of sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. However, even though God forgives us, the damage caused by sin remains. We are called to repair this damage, either through our own conversion or by making amends for what we have harmed. An indulgence is a form of assistance from the Church, which adds to our efforts the intercession of the Church’s members or the saints in heaven, as well as the merits of Jesus Christ, over which He has entrusted the Church with authority. The Church proclaims where and how this help can be obtained.

The Cross of the Lord is the gate of mercy. Jesus speaks of His crucifixion as an exaltation and says in the Gospel of John 12:32, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."

Jesus reveals to us what God's desire is for every person when He says: "I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." God's mercy longs to heal us from everything that prevents us from fully living and loving. The term "indulgence," although somewhat distant to modern people and potentially evoking unpleasant associations, actually expresses the completeness of God's healing. When a person opens their heart to God, He not only generously forgives but also helps us with the consequences of sin and heals the wounds of the soul. In our efforts to repair what we have caused through sin, we are not alone. Even here, God accompanies us as a friend and healer. He invites us to support one another through prayer and acts of love. We are even assured that our prayers reach beyond the boundaries of death and can help the deceased. This strengthens the bond between heaven and earth, time and eternity, the visible and invisible world. We are given the chance to step out of self-centeredness, our hearts expand, and we mature in our ability to live deep relationships—with God and with others. The saints in heaven also assist us on this journey. They already dwell where our goal lies and bear witness to the great things God's love can accomplish in a person.

Below, we offer an overview of both sacramental and non-sacramental means that the Church recommends for encountering God.

Conditions for Obtaining Plenary Indulgences Daily

By observing the fundamental requirements: 

  • Having no attachment to any sin  
  • Receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation  
  • Receiving Holy Communion  
  • Praying for the intentions of the Holy Father  

Participation in Community Celebrations

  • Holy Mass

Weekdays: 7:15 AM and 6:00 PM 
Sundays: 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM  

  • Liturgy of the Hours

Weekdays: 6:30 AM Morning Prayer and Office of Readings; 5:00 PM Vespers  
Sundays: 6:30 AM Morning Prayer and Office of Readings; 7:30 PM Vespers  

  • Other Devotions

Way of the Cross (during Lent)  
Penitential Devotions (March 21, March 28, April 4 after evening Mass)  
Rosary Prayer (prayed together in May and October)  

  • Personal or Communal Eucharistic Adoration

For a suitable period, concluding with the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and a Marian Prayer

Other Ways to Obtain Plenary Indulgences Outside of the Basilica’s Liturgical Events

By observing the fundamental requirements: 

  • Having no attachment to any sin  
  • Receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation  
  • Receiving Holy Communion  
  • Praying for the intentions of the Holy Father  

Indulgences will also apply to acts of mercy performed in a reasonable measure, including:

Corporal Works of Mercy

  • Feeding the hungry  
  • Giving drink to the thirsty  
  • Clothing the naked  
  • Sheltering the homeless  
  • Caring for the sick  
  • Visiting the imprisoned  
  • Burying the dead  

Spiritual Works of Mercy

  • Counseling the doubtful  
  • Instructing the ignorant  
  • Admonishing sinners  
  • Comforting the sorrowful  
  • Forgiving offenses  
  • Patiently bearing wrongs  
  • Praying to God for the living and the dead  

A Spirit of Generous Penance, Especially on Fridays

  • Abstaining from unnecessary distractions (both real and virtual)  
  • Practicing moderation in consumption (fasting, abstinence in various forms)  
  • Donating an appropriate financial amount to the poor and those in need  
  •   (Collections for the protection of life: the unborn, abandoned children, youth in distress, the elderly in need, the lonely, migrants, etc.)  
  • Engaging in voluntary service for the benefit of society