Catholics attending the 45th annual March for Life Jan. 19 in
Washington will be able to obtain a plenary indulgence by going to confession,
receiving Communion and praying for the intentions of the pope, according to a
recent announcement from the Vatican.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl
announced the plenary indulgence in a joint letter Dec. 20. The letter says Catholics
who “take part in the sacred celebrations, along with the great assembly of
people, throughout the whole course of the annual event that is called ‘March
for Life,’” can obtain a plenary indulgence.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (No. 1471) defines a plenary
indulgence as “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.”
The homebound are not excluded from receiving an indulgence. According
to the letter, the aged, sick and anyone else due to ‘grave reason’ can receive the
plenary indulgence “if they spiritually join themselves to the holy ceremonies,
while also having offered prayers and their sufferings or the ailments of their
own life to the merciful God.”
Several events taking place in accordance with the March for Life
include Life is Very Good at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax Jan. 18 and 19. Others
include:
- The annual Youth Rally and Mass for Life at the
Capital One Arena in Washington Jan. 19. - Adult and Family Rally and Mass for Life at St.
Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington Jan. 19 - The National Prayer Vigil for Life from 5:30
p.m. Jan. 18 until 7:30 a.m. Jan. 19 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of
the Immaculate Conception in Washington.
The letter concludes with this wish: “May the efforts of all
across this great nation to lift up the value and dignity of each human life
continue to bear fruit, and may we all experience God’s blessings in this noble
undertaking.”
See a copy of the letter:
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