With the pandemic still causing thousands of deaths all around the world, this year the month of November will take on even more significance. It's the time the Church dedicates to praying especially for the eternal rest of the deceased.
This year, to prevent large gatherings in churches and cemeteries while facilitating the devotion of the faithful, the Vatican has extended through the entire month of November the possibility to obtain a plenary indulgence, usually limited to the first week of November, for the commemoration of all the deceased faithful, on Nov. 2.
MASSIMO DEL POZZO
Pontifical University of the Holy Cross
Jan. 9, 2016
“It is a great manifestation of mercy and compassion. The Church shows her motherhood by settling all debts and consequences of sin.”
The Apostolic Penitentiary explains that the elderly, the sick and those who can't leave their homes will be able to obtain the plenary indulgence by uniting themselves spiritually to the rest of the faithful praying for some intention for the deceased. They must have a sincere intention to, as soon as possible, meet the three usual conditions—going to confession, receiving the Eucharist and praying for the pope's intentions—in front of an image of Jesus or Our Lady.
Daniel Díaz Vizzi
Translation: CT
