Celebrate the Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly with a Plenary Indulgence
Are you looking to deepen your devotion and receive a special blessing? The Apostolic Penitentiary has granted a Plenary Indulgence for Catholics participating in the upcoming Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, at the request of Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family, and Life.
Established by Pope Francis in 2021
In 2021, Pope Francis instituted a Church-wide celebration of a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, to be held annually on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. This year, the World Day falls on July 28 and carries the theme “Do not cast me off in my old age” (cf. Ps 71:9).
The Plenary Indulgence, granted by the Major Penitentiary, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, will be available to grandparents, the elderly, and all faithful who participate in the various events held for the World Day. This special blessing is subject to the usual conditions of sacramental Confession, reception of the Eucharist, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father, and is valid only for the Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.
What is a Plenary Indulgence?
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. In addition to participating in the World Day events, the Apostolic Penitentiary extends the same Plenary Indulgence to those who spend time visiting the elderly in need or facing difficulties, either in-person or virtually.
The elderly sick and those unable to leave their homes for a serious reason can also receive the Indulgence by spiritually uniting themselves to the World Day celebrations. It is important for the faithful to maintain detachment from sin and intend to fulfill the three usual conditions as soon as possible.
The Apostolic Penitentiary encourages priests authorized to hear confessions to make themselves available with a generous spirit for the Sacrament of Penance during this time.
Celebrate the Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly with a Plenary Indulgence and join in the spirit of penance, charity, and devotion to receive a special blessing from the Apostolic Penitentiary.
