“Every sin has consequences. It disrupts our communion with God and the Church, weakens our ability to resist temptation, and hurts others. The necessity of healing these consequences, once the sin itself has been forgiven, is called temporal punishment. Prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and other works of charity can take away entirely or diminish this temporal punishment. Because of the fullness of redemption obtained for is by Christ, the Church attaches to certain prayers and actions an indulgence or pardon, that is, the full or partial remission of temporal punishment due to sin. Christ, acting through the Church, brings about the healing of the consequences of sin when an individual uses such a prayer or engages in such an action.” (
US Catholic Catechism for Adults, p. 244)
Conditions for Gaining a Partial Indulgence · Be baptized, not excommunicated, and in a state of grace.
· Have the intention of gaining the indulgence (including being contrite)
· Perform the work or offer the prayers as described (in this case, take part in activities as part of the March for Life).
· May be obtained more than once per day.
Conditions for Gaining a Plenary Indulgence In addition to the above:
· Exclude all attachment to sin
· Three conditions:
· Go to sacramental confession
· Receive Eucharistic Communion
· Pray for the intentions of the Holy Father
· May only be obtained once per day.
If any component is lacking, the indulgence will be partial.
From Norm 20: A single sacramental confession suffices for several plenary indulgences but receiving Communion and praying for the intention of the Holy Father are required for each indulgence. While the three conditions may be fulfilled several days before or after the performance of the indulgenced work, it is fitting that Communion be received and the prayer for the intention of the Holy Father be said on the same day.