This from the Bishop’s office.
We have gotten used over the last few years that the Holy Father is eager to solemnise the Sunday nearest to the feast day (the 26th of July) of the parents of the Blessed Virgin, S. Joaquim and S. Anna – that is, the Holy Grandparents – as a day to honour all our grandparents, in the same way as we honour our parents with the secular Father’s Day and Mother’s Day. This year, the Apostolic Penitentiary has announced that the Holy Father has granted a plenary indulgence for the Faithful who take part in this Third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, on the 23rd of July.
The conditions for gaining the plenary indulgence are:
- the participation in the solemn Mass offered in the presence of the Holy Father at S. Peter’s basilica on Vatican hill, or attendance at Mass on that day in various parts of the world.
- the usual conditions of sacramental Confession, reception of the Eucharist, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father.
A plenary indulgence offers remission of the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven, which can be applied to oneself or to the souls in Purgatory. The Apostolic Penitentiary extends the same Plenary Indulgence to those who dedicate significant time to visit – either in person or by virtual means of communication – their elderly brothers and sisters who are in need or facing difficulties, such as the sick, abandoned, and those with disabilities.
For people who are unable to leave their homes due to serious reasons, spiritual participation in Mass celebrated for the World Day through prayer, offering their sufferings, and joining in the broadcasts of the Pope’s various celebrations will also grant them the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence. However, the indulgence requires that the faithful maintain detachment from sin and intend to fulfil the three usual conditions as soon as possible.
Catholic Louth and Mablethorpe 