A plenary indulgence is a special grace, granted by the Holy Father to Catholics throughout the world, in particular situations and under specific conditions. It is called a plenary indulgence because it fully remits the penalty that must be paid for sins committed and confessed up to that time.
“An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints.
An indulgence is partial or plenary according as it removes either part or all of the temporal punishment due to sin. The faithful can gain indulgences for themselves or apply them to the dead” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 1471).
As Catholics with the desire to receive this special grace, the plenary indulgence ignites charity and strengthens the spirit of prayer, consequently strengthening our filial and pious bond with the Vicar of Christ. Our apostolic zeal is increased and expressed in works, cooperating with Our Lord in the making present the kingdom of Christ in the world.
The Supreme Pontiff has granted the entire Regnum Christi family, in its various vocations, a plenary indulgence on the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe, with the normal conditions: to have the interior disposition of a total detachment from sin; sacramental confession (within 20 days before or 20 days after); Eucharistic communion; and prayer for the Pope’s intentions.
This Plenary indulgence can be obtained on the day of the liturgical solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe. Other moments in which the Holy Father has decreed that members of Regnum Christi can obtain a plenary indulgence are:
- On the liturgical memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows.
- On the day of their association to Regnum Christi, when they make the promise, even if only privately, to faithfully observe the Regnum Christi Statutes.
- After concluding their annual Spiritual Exercises or Triduum of Renewal, when they renew this same promise.
- On the occasions the Church has opened to all Catholics.
