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Author Topic: Can a Catholic petition the Pope for a plenary indulgence not already defined?  (Read 369 times)
Melkite

Posts: 748


« on: November 07, 2009, 01:08:PM »

I have been wanting to go on the Way of St. James pilgrimage for a while.  I won't be able to go in 2010, so the next time that July 25 falls on a sunday is in 2021.  However, I'm an Eastern Catholic, and for us the feast of St. James the Greater is on April 30.  So, I'm wondering, is it possible for me to petition the Pope to grant me a plenary indulgence as a personal exception, if I follow all the normative requirements, if I make the pilgrimage and attend mass at the cathedral on April 30?  That one is a while away too, but the next time April 30 falls on a Sunday is 2017.
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Steven

Gender: Male
Posts: 65



« Reply #1 on: November 07, 2009, 06:24:PM »

I wouldn't see any reason why you couldn't do so, though it'd most likely be difficult to bring it to his attention.  You have 8 years though, so it wouldn't hurt to try!  If anyone knows anything to the contrary, however, please correct me.

This reminds me of St. Francis with the Portiuncula indulgence (emphasis mine):
Quote
On a night of July, 1216, Francis was praying in the little church of the Portiuncula devoured by love for God and a thirst to save souls. He prayed for the forgiveness of sins of mankind.

Suddenly a brilliant light shone all around. In great splendor Jesus and Mary appeared in the midst of a dazzling cloud surrounded by a multitude of radiant angels.

Out of fear and reverence, St. Francis adored Our Lord prostrate upon the ground.

Then Jesus said to him: Francis you are very zealous for the good of souls. Ask me what you want for their salvation. St. Francis was rapt in ecstasy before Jesus.

When he regained his courage he said:

Lord, I a miserable sinner beg You to concede an indulgence to all those who enter this church, who are truly contrite and have confessed their sins. And I beg Blessed Mary, your Mother, intercessor of man, that she intercede on behalf of this grace.”

Our Lady at once began to beseech her son on behalf of Francis. Jesus answered:

“It is a very great thing that which you ask Me; but you are worthy of even greater things, Friar Francis, and greater things you will have. So I accept your request, but I want you to go to my Vicar, to whom I have given the power to bind and loose in Heaven and on earth, to ask him on my behalf for this indulgence.

With one of his companions, Francis hastened to Pope Honorius III and prostrate implored him to proclaim that every one visiting the church and confessing their sins with a contrite heart would be as pure from all sin and punishments as he was immediately after baptism. The Pope granted this petition. This indulgence has been extended to all parish churches throughout the world.

    In Christo Rege,
        ~Steven
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"There are not over a hundred people in the United States who hate the Catholic Church. There are millions, however, who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church � which is, of course, quite a different thing." -Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
MeaMaximaCulpa

Posts: 1,457


« Reply #2 on: November 07, 2009, 10:50:PM »

I have been wanting to go on the Way of St. James pilgrimage for a while.  I won't be able to go in 2010, so the next time that July 25 falls on a sunday is in 2021.  However, I'm an Eastern Catholic, and for us the feast of St. James the Greater is on April 30.  So, I'm wondering, is it possible for me to petition the Pope to grant me a plenary indulgence as a personal exception, if I follow all the normative requirements, if I make the pilgrimage and attend mass at the cathedral on April 30?  That one is a while away too, but the next time April 30 falls on a Sunday is 2017.

I think it would be easier to hit up a lower prelate.  At least according to the Latin Code, the diocesan bishop is allowed to grant three plenary indulgences a year (for the faithful of his diocese).  Perhaps there's a similar thing in the Eastern Code, where your bishop can give a special plenary indulgence.
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" And if I should have prophecy and should know all mysteries, and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing."-1 Corinthians 13:2
spasiisochrani

Posts: 2,279


« Reply #3 on: November 08, 2009, 06:56:AM »

"Interestingly, a notice in the pilgrim office in June 2006 said that the plenary indulgence is given not only in Holy Years, but also in ordinary years on Easter Sunday; 21st April (the anniversary of the consecration of the cathedral); and on St James's three feast days (23 May - the Apparition; 25 July - his martyrdom; and 30 December - the translation of the relics)."

http://www.csj.org.uk/compostela.htm

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glgas

Posts: 2,425


« Reply #4 on: November 08, 2009, 02:55:PM »

Since the Apostolic Penitentiary is responsible for handling such matters turn to them with a petition.

http://www.gcatholic.com/dioceses/romancuria/d12.htm

It helps if you find somebody whose friend works there but iyou may have success without that too.

The indulgences are authorized by the Pope, but he acts through dicasteris like tjis,
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