Nativity scene indulgence can be gained at four locations in diocese

By Veronica Ambuul

(Photo: St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Colorado Springs, creche scene, courtesy of Judy Smith)

COLORADO SPRINGS. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8 marked the first day that Catholics could receive a special plenary indulgence for praying before a Nativity scene at Franciscan churches. The indulgence was granted by Pope Francis in honor of the 800th anniversary of the approval of the Rule of St. Francis and the saint’s creation of a Nativity scene in Greccio, Italy. The indulgence can be obtained until Feb. 2, 2024, the Feast of the Presentation.

There are four locations in the Diocese of Colorado Springs where the indulgence can be received:

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 2715 E. Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs, 80909 — The Nativity scene is located in the church and will be available when the church and/or parish office is open:

• Sundays, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
• Monday to Friday, the church is open 6-9 a.m.
• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, the church is open 6:30-9 p.m.
• Saturdays the church is open 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.  and 4-6:30 p.m.
• The parish office is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 2650 Parish View, Colorado Springs — The Nativity scene is located upstairs in the narthex by the elevator and is accessible every day from 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

The Catholic Center at The Citadel Mall — Open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., closed on Sundays.

A plenary indulgence removes all temporal punishment due to sin. The faithful must be fully detached from sin and must make a sacramental confession, receive the Eucharist, and pray for the pope’s intentions within a few days before or after carrying out the action connected to the indulgence.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 2746 Fifth St., Castle Rock 80104 — Nativity scene is located outdoors. See www.stfranciscr.org for Mass times and other information.