Ukrainian Catholic ChurchAustralia, New Zealand and Oceania
An Indulgence is a grace with which the Church rewards us
April 26, 2024
In January 2023, at the request of Bishop Mykola Bychok, the Apostolic Penitentiary (supreme tribunal of the Catholic Church) extended the gift of Plenary Indulgence for the parish of St. Volodymyr in Canberra for another 7 years. As part of the preparation for the Eparchial Pilgrimage, we explain what a Plenary Indulgence is and how to get it.
On June 8–9, 2024, there will be the Ukrainian Catholic National Pilgrimage of the clergy and faithful of the Melbourne Eparchy to the Shrine of St. Volodymyr in Canberra. Since the parish of St. Volodymyr has the gift of Plenary Indulgence, the faithful who participate in the pilgrimage can receive these graces.
An Indulgence is a grace with which the Church, as the minister of Redemption, rewards us through the intercession of Jesus Christ, the Holy Theotokos and all the saints, freeing us from temporal punishment for sins that have been already forgiven us through the Mystery of Confession.
Our sins have a double effect. Sin deprives us of unity with God, and therefore makes us incapable of eternal life, and this deprivation of eternal life is called “eternal punishment” for sin. Forgiveness of sin through confession and restoration of oneness with God results in the remission of the eternal penalty for sin. On the other hand, any sin, causes an unhealthy attachment to creation that requires purification either here on earth or after death in a state called the intermittent state. This cleansing frees from what is called the ‘temporal punishment’ of sin.” Temporal punishments for sin remain even after Confession. It is not necessary to consider these punishments as a form of God’s revenge on us for our sins, because they are a consequence of the very nature of sin. Each of our sins leaves its mark on our body, and these stains, as St. Gregory of Nazianzus wrote, are “washed away” in purgatory. A Christian should try to accept temporary punishments for sin as a grace and try, through works of mercy and love, as well as through prayer and various penitential practices, to completely free himself from the “old man” “and put on the new man.”
The Church, as a mediator between God and His people, gives us the opportunity to be cleansed and freed from punishment for sins. The Church, acting in favour of Christians, helps us in receiving from the Lord the mercy of the remission of the temporary punishment for sins, and also encourages us to deeds of piety, penance and love.
A Plenary Indulgence is a complete release from temporal punishment for already forgiven sins, it purifies our soul, making it as pure as it was at the moment after Baptism.
Importantly, we can also help our deceased by obtaining indulgences for them so that they may be released from the temporal punishment of their sins.
In order to receive a complete remission of premature punishments for sins for yourself or for a deceased person, you must fulfill the following conditions:
- to be in sanctifying grace (approach the Mystery of Confession);
- take part in the Divine Liturgy and receive Holy Communion;
- to pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.
Our church of St. Volodymyr in Canberra has the right to offer a Plenary Indulgence to those who visit, pray and fulfill the three conditions. We invite all the faithful to receive these graces during our pilgrimage on June 8–9.
Please register here: https://forms.gle/nD6 q72 WLx4 MJUmGS8
