Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “The plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, on the occasion of the ‘Twenty-third World Youth Day’, will gather at Sydney in the spirit of pilgrimage; all those who, wherever they are, will pray for the spiritual goals of this Meeting and for its happy outcome can also gain the partial indulgence.” This is how the Apostolic Penitentiary Decree opens. The Decree has been approved by the Holy Father Benedict XVI and the bestowal of the gift of the Indulgence as follows:
“The Plenary Indulgence is granted to the faithful who will devotedly participate at some sacred function or pious exercise taking place during the ‘Twenty-third World Youth Day’, including its solemn conclusion, so that, having received the Sacrament of Reconciliation and being truly repentant, they receive Holy Communion and devoutly pray according to the intentions of His Holiness.
The Partial Indulgence is granted to the faithful, wherever they are during the above-mentioned meeting, if, at least with a contrite spirit, they will raise their prayer to God the Holy Spirit, so that young people are drawn to charity and given the strength to proclaim the Gospel with their life.
So that all the faithful may more easily obtain these heavenly gifts, priests who have received legitimate approval to hear sacramental confessions, should welcome them with a ready and generous spirit and suggest public prayers to the faithful, for the success of the same ‘World Youth Day.’” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 7/7/2008)
