Extra Grace: Vatican grants indulgence for praying before Nativity scene scene

By Catholic News Agency

ROME. This year, Catholics will be able to receive a plenary indulgence from Dec. 8, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to Feb. 2, 2024, the feast of the Presentation in the Temple of Our Lord Jesus Christ, by praying before a Nativity scene in a Franciscan church.

Earlier this year, on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the faithful gathered at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, to honor the beloved Italian saint and celebrate the 800th anniversary of the approval of the Rule of St. Francis (1223) and the creation of the Nativity scene in Greccio.

As part of the celebration of this Franciscan Centenary, the Conference of the Franciscan Family asked Pope Francis for the approval of this plenary indulgence. The Apostolic Penitentiary welcomed the request, allowing the faithful to receive this indulgence under the usual conditions.

A plenary indulgence is a grace granted by the Catholic Church to remove all temporal punishment due to sin. It must always be accompanied by a full detachment from sin as well as sacramental confession, Holy Communion and prayer for the pope’s intentions.

Franciscan churches where the indulgence can be received include Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and The Catholic Center at the Citadel in Colorado Springs, as well as Annunciation Parish in Denver.