IN A DECREE that was issued by His Holiness, POPE JOHN PAUL II last December 17, 2004, it was stated 

that plenary indulgences may be earned in the following ways:

1. "Each and every time the faithful participate attentively and piously in a sacred function or a devotional exercise undertaken in honor of the Blessed Sacrament, solemnly exposed and conserved in the tabernacle."

 

2. To those who recite the liturgy of the Hours, "each and every time they recite—at the end of the day, in company or in private—Vespers and Night Prayers before the Lord present in the tabernacle."

For those who have joined the Prayer Warriors of the Holy Souls (PWHS) Holy Hour programme, this is indeed a welcome piece of good news! Not only will they be helping the holy souls as they do the holy hour for their intentions, but they will also be earning for themselves plenary indulgences as well.

A plenary indulgence "is the remission of all temporal punishment due to sin." The indulgences are subject to the following conditions: full sacramental reconciliation; should be in the state of grace; should receive Holy Communion, and should pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.

For those who are sick or may have a valid reason for being unable to visit the Blessed Sacrament, the decree allows them to make a spiritual visit, "with the heart’s desire,… and recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a pious invocation to Jesus in the Sacrament."