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The Year of the Priest
Pope Benedict XVI has proclaimed a Year dedicated to the Priest.
The Year of the Priest will run from 19 June 2009 to 19 June 2010.
"Shortly the day will come on which will be commemorated the 150th anniversary of the pious departure to Heaven of St John Mary Vianney, the Curé d'Ars. This Saint was a wonderful model here on earth of a true Pastor at the service of Christ's flock.
Since his example is used to encourage the faithful, and especially priests, to imitate his virtues, the Supreme Pontiff Benedict XVI has established that for this occasion a special Year for Priests will be celebrated, from 19 June 2009 to 19 June 2010, in which all priests may be increasingly strengthened in fidelity to Christ with devout meditation, spiritual exercises and other appropriate actions."
Please pray for all of our priests, that they may be strengthened and purified to lead the people of the Church.
Read Bp. Lennon's letter on The Year of the Priest.
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Plenary Indulgence for the Year of the Priest
A Plenary Indulgence is granted to all the faithful who are truly repentant who, in church or in chapel,
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devoutly attend the divine Sacrifice of Mass and |
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offer prayers to Jesus Christ the Eternal High Priest, for the priests of the Church, and any other good work which they have done on that day, so that he may sanctify them and form them in accordance with His Heart, as long as they have
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made expiation for their sins through sacramental confession and
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prayed in accordance with the Supreme Pontiff's intentions: on the days in which the Year for Priests begins and ends, on the day of the 150th anniversary of the pious passing of St John Mary Vianney (4 Aug. 2009), on the first Thursday of the month, or on any other day established by the local Ordinaries for the benefit of the faithful.
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A Plenary Indulgence will likewise be granted to the elderly, the sick and all those who for any legitimate reason are confined to their homes who, with a mind detached from any sin and with the intention of fulfilling as soon as possible the three usual conditions, at home or wherever their impediment detains them, provided that on the above-mentioned days they recite prayers for the sanctification of priests and confidently offer the illnesses and hardships of their lives to God through Mary Queen of Apostles.
Lastly, a Partial Indulgence is granted to all the faithful every time they devoutly recite five Our Fathers, Hail Marys and Glorias, or another expressly approved prayer, in honour of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to obtain that priests be preserved in purity and holiness of life.
On Indulgences
An indulgence is a remission of the temporal punishment due for sins whose guilt is forgiven.
A plenary indulgence is the remission of all punishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Concerning Indulgences
What is required to gain a plenary indulgence?
• excluding all attachment to sin
• perform the indulgenced work
• fulfill the following three conditions:
- sacramental confession,
- Eucharistic Communion,
- prayer for the intention of the Holy Father (N20 § 1)
How many times can an individual gain a plenary indulgence?
Once a day, as many times as the required conditions (sacramental confession, restoration with Holy Communion, prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father) are fulfilled. (N18 § 1)
What fulfills the condition for praying for the intention of the Holy Father?
The recitation of one Our Father and one Hail Mary fully satisfies this condition. One has the option of reciting any other prayer according to individual piety and devotion, if recited for this intention. (N20 § 5)
Must all conditions be fulfilled for the granting of the indulgence?
A single sacramental confession suffices for gaining several plenary indulgences; but Holy Communion must be received and prayer for the intention of the Holy Father must be recited for the gaining of each plenary indulgence. (N20 § 2)
When must the three conditions be fulfilled?
The three conditions may be fulfilled several days before or after the performance of the prescribed work; it is, however, fitting that Communion be received and the prayer for the intention of the Holy Father be said on the same day the work is performed. (N20 § 3)
If a visit to a Church or an oratory is required to obtain an indulgence attached to a particular day, this may be accomplished from noon of the preceding day until midnight of the particular day. (N14)
