n Indulgence is the remission before God of the temporal punishment due to be suffered for sins that have already been forgiven. In granting Indulgences, the Church — as minister of the Redemption — authoritatively dispenses and applies the treasury of the satisfaction won by Christ and the Saints (Indulgentiarum Doctrina, Norm 1). The temporal punishment due for forgiven sins must be suffered either on earth or in Purgatory. Fr. Rutler explains,

Indulgences respond to the reality that there are two consequences of sin. “Grave sin deprives us of communion with God and therefore makes us incapable of eternal life, the privation of which is called the ‘eternal punishment’ of sin. On the other hand, every sin, even venial, entails an unhealthy attachment to creatures, which must be purified either here on earth or after death in the state called Purgatory. This purification frees one from what is called the ‘temporal punishment’ of sin. These two punishments must not be conceived of as a kind of vengeance inflicted by God from without, but as following from the very nature of sin. A conversion which proceeds from a fervent charity can attain the complete purification of the sinner in such a way that no punishment would remain” (Catechism, n. 1472).

A Partial Indulgence remits part of the temporal punishment due, whereas a Plenary Indulgence remits all the temporal punishment due. Indulgences can always be offered for the Poor Souls in Purgatory, rather than for ourselves — this could be considered to be one of the spiritual works of mercy. However, Indulgences for the Poor Souls are efficacious by way of suffrage, that is, depending on God’s decision, since the Church on earth does not have jurisdiction over the souls in Purgatory.

Four Ways to Gain a Plenary Indulgence

a Catholic, being in the state of grace, can gain a Plenary Indulgence by many different prayers and works of piety, but these four are worthy of special mention:

• Making a visit to the Blessed Sacrament to adore It for at least one-half hour.
• Lectio divina, or reading and meditating upon Sacred Scripture with the veneration due to the Word of God.
• Making the Way of the Cross. This includes walking from station to station. No specific prayers are required, but devout meditation on the Passion and Death of our Lord is required.
• Recitation of the Rosary of at least five decades, with devout meditation on the Mysteries, in addition to the vocal recitation.

Additional Requirements

In addition to performing the specified work, the following conditions are required:

• Confession
• Holy Communion
• Prayer for the Holy Father’s intentions (one Pater Noster and one Ave Maria may suffice).
• A person’s mind and heart must be free from all attachment to sin, even venial sin.

These conditions may be fulfilled several days before or after the performance of the prescribed work. It is fitting, however, that Communion be received and the prayer for the intention of the Holy Father be recited on the same day the work is performed.

If one tries to gain a Plenary Indulgence but fails to fulfill all the requirements, the indulgence will be only partial.

If we generously offer Indulgences for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, we may hope to obtain relief or release for many of them, in accord with God’s holy will. In gratitude, they may well obtain for us many great favors.

These norms are from the official Enchiridion of Indulgences (1968) and the Apostolic Constitution, The Doctrine of Indulgences (1967), as summarized by TAN Books and Publishers on their “How To Gain a Plenary Indulgence” card.