| Conditions For Gaining Indulgences |
| The Seven Requirements For The Gaining Of An Indulgence Are: 1. The Right Intention: One must have the intention of gaining the indulgence. 2. The State of Grace: One must be in the state of sanctifying grace; therefore, it is explicitly stated in the granting of the indulgence that as a requirement one goes to Confession. This must be within eight days either before or after the day to which the indulgence is attached. This confession suffices for the gaining of all indulgences during this period. 3. The Fulfillment of the Prescribed Good Work: The good work prescribed for the gaining of an indulgence must be carried out faithfully and any substantial change of the work prevents the indulgence from being granted. 4. Communion: Holy Communion once received suffices for gaining several indulgences on the same day, each of which requires the reception of Holy Communion. If the indulgence is attached to a specific day, one may receive Communion on the eve of that day or within its octave. If as the result of a long illness or some other physical impediment a person is unable to receive the prescribed Holy Communion, the confessor may substitute some other pious work. 5. Visit to a Church: When gaining the indulgence referred to as the Toties Quoties (as often as this is done in the day) on All Souls' Day and on the Sunday following, one must physically leave the church and re-enter it in order to gain another plenary indulgence. As often as this is performed on these two days, a plenary indulgence is gained (granting that all the other conditions are fulfilled). 6. Prayer Must Be Vocal: The prescribed prayers must be vocal, that is, the lips must move and the words must be at least mouthed silently and therefore mental prayer is not sufficient, unless the contrary is expressly stated. 7. Prayers for the Pope's Intention: If no set prayers have been prescribed for the intention of the Pope, it is sufficient to recite one Pater, one Ave and one Gloria, or any other prayers. The Pater, Ave and Gloria must be recited six times for the Toties Quoties indulgence. "The Pope's Intention" comprises the exaltation of Holy Mother Church, the propagation of the Faith, the uprooting of heresy, the conversion of sinners, peace and concord among Christian nations and the other needs of Christianity. |
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