Did you know there are many ways to gain a plenary indulgence during the Holy Triduum?
The Catholic Church offers several opportunities to wipe away our temporal punishment on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.
Below is a simple guide for how to gain a plenary indulgence during the Paschal Triduum.
What is a plenary indulgence?
According to the Manual of Indulgences,
A plenary indulgence is the total remission "before God of the temporal punishment for sins, whose guilt is forgiven" and can be earned for oneself or for a deceased relative in purgatory.
One may earn a plenary indulgence during the Paschal Triduum by carrying out any of the following:
How to obtain a plenary indulgence on Holy Thursday
According to the Manual of Indulgences, one may adore the blessed Sacrament for at least 30 minutes or “piously recite the verses of the Tantum ergo after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday during the solemn reposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament.”
Here are the English lyrics to Tatum Ergo:
Down in adoration falling,
Lo! the sacred Host we hail;
Lo! o’er ancient forms departing,
Newer rites of grace prevail;
Faith for all defects supplying,
Where the feeble senses fail.
To the everlasting Father,
And the Son who reigns on high,
With the Holy Spirit proceeding
Forth from each eternally,
Be salvation, honor, blessing,
Might and endless majesty. Amen.
V. You have given them bread from heaven,
R/. Having all delight within it.
Let us pray. O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament left us a memorial of your
Passion: Grant, we implore you, that we may so venerate the sacred mysteries of your Body and Blood, as always to be conscious of the fruit of your Redemption. You who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
How to obtain a plenary indulgence on Good Friday
The Manual of Indulgences states that one may obtain a plenary indulgence if the faithful “devoutly assists at the adoration of the Cross in the solemn liturgical action of Good Friday.”
One may also “personally make the pious Way of the Cross, or devoutly unite themselves to the Way of the Cross while it is being led by the Supreme Pontiff and broadcast live on television or radio.”
How to obtain a plenary indulgence on Holy Saturday
The Manual of Indulgences states, “A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, at the celebration of the Easter Vigil or on the anniversary of their own Baptism, renew their baptismal vows in any legitimately approved formula.”
To obtain a plenary indulgence, the faithful who participate in the above actions must also fulfill the usual three conditions.
What are the usual conditions for a plenary indulgence?
- Go to Confession (as soon as possible or after fulfilling the other conditions)
- Receive Holy Communion (as soon as possible)
- Pray for the Pope's intentions. (The Church suggests an "Our Father" and a "Hail Mary" as soon as possible.)
One must approach the indulgence with a spirit “completely detached from the affection for a sin,” both mortal and venial. If one is not detached, a partial indulgence applies.