An indulgence is the remission of temporal (earthly) punishment from sins that have already been forgiven through the merits of Jesus Christ. Indulgences are either plenary (complete remission of temporal punishment) or partial (some remission of temporal punishment).

Catechism of the Catholic Church on Indulgences

During the Jubilee Year of Hope, which began on December 29, 2024 and ends on January 6, 2026, a plenary indulgence is available to the faithful who visit certain sacred sites during the year, perform works of mercy, or certain acts of penance under the normal conditions. If the essential components for an indulgence have been met, you can receive a Jubilee Indulgence by doing one or more of the following:

Pilgrimage

• Taking a prayerful pilgrimage to a designated Jubilee site and going to Mass, praying the Stations of the Cross or praying the Rosary.

Acts of Mercy

• Spending time with lonely elderly people
• Helping the sick or disabled
• Assisting those in need

Works of Penance

• Fasting from social media
• Not buying unnecessary items
• Volunteering and/or financially supporting religious or social apostolates such as Respect Life or Catholic Charities

Check out the Vatican Decree for a full list of indulgenced actions for the Jubilee Year of Hope!

Assuming the essential components have been met, the plenary indulgence can be received once per day during the Jubilee Year.

• Indulgence can be applied to you or to a soul in purgatory.
• You can receive a second indulgence in the same day for a soul in purgatory (by receiving Holy Communion a second time within Mass and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father).

• Be a practicing Catholic
• Receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation (within 8 days) and Holy Communion (same day)
• No attachment to sin
• Pray for the intentions of the Holy Father
• Perform the work to which the indulgence is attached

Our diocese has designated local pilgrimage sites for the Jubilee Year of Hope. A pilgrimage is a journey to a holy place, meant to reflect our spiritual journey to heaven and to deepen our relationship with God.

Learn more about taking an international Jubilee Pilgrimage to Rome.

Pope Francis notes in Spes Non Confudit, the papal bull announcing the Year of Hope, that “every sin ‘leaves it’s mark.’ Sin has consequences, not only outwardly in the effects of the wrong we do, but also inwardly, inasmuch as ‘every sin, even venial, entails an unhealthy attachment to creatures, which must be purified either here on earth, or after death, in the state called Purgatory.’ In our humanity, weak and attracted by evil, certain residual effects of sin remain. These are removed by the indulgence, always by the grace of Christ.”

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