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Jenn Sal Forum All-Star
Joined: June 23 2005 Location: Texas
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Posted: Dec 31 2007 at 7:09am | IP Logged
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I hope this doesn't sound silly : I've been trying to learn about indulgences lately. In looking at the First Friday Indulgences, my question is, do you have to be aware that you are fulfilling the requirements to receive them?
I have been attending the First Friday Mass for the last five months, I pray for the Pope every day and attend confessions once a month. Now that I know you can receive a First Friday Indulgence for attending nine, do the first five count?
I hope this is clear. I'm pretty confused about this topic.
Thank you for any clarification!
__________________ Jennifer, Texas
Wife to Mark, Mom to Cora 13,Kade 10, Sarah in Heaven 12/05, Colette 7, Corin 5, & Kieran 2
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happymama Forum Pro
Joined: Feb 05 2007 Location: N/A
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Posted: Dec 31 2007 at 9:08am | IP Logged
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good question. NewAdvent.org has the Catholic Encyclopedia on-line, and under indulgences they add:
"It is also necessary to have the intention, at least habitual, of gaining the indulgence."
I'm no canon lawyer, but I guess I would read that to mean that if you had no idea that what you were previously doing could be for an indulgence, then it wouldn't technically "count" - not that you weren't receiving countless blessings by doing so!!! In fact, many things that we do could qualify as indulgence, and we fail to take advantage of them - speaking from experience! Praying the rosary, reading the bible, etc.
I'm not a huge fan of this author, but he does offer an interesting 2008 calendar which lists in great detail the many indulgences available throughout the year.
see here.
blessings!
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Helen Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 03 2005
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Posted: Dec 31 2007 at 10:30am | IP Logged
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HappyMama, I'm glad you found that quote from the Catholic Encyclopedia. (The encyclopedia of 1917 is a terrific resource and totally trustworthy.)
Basically, the same is said in the revised edition of the Enchiridion of Indulgences of 1967:
"In order that one who is capable may actually gain indulgences, one must have at least a general intention to gain them and must in accordance with the tenor of the grant perform the enjoined works at the time and in the manner prescribed."
Number 22, paragraph 2 of Norms on Indulgences from the Enchiridion.
It is a short book. Here's a link for you Jenn, if you would like to read more:
Enchiridion of Indulgences
While reading the introduction this morning (called the Decree), I saw something I hadn't fully appreciated before,
"All general grants of indulgences not included in this same Enchiridion, are hereby revoked. Revoked also are any ordinances concerning indulgences, not included in the Norms on Indulgences given below, whether in the Code of Canon Law, or in Apostolic letters, even if issued 'Motu proprio,' or in Decrees of the Holy See."
(First page of Enchiridion)
Thanks Jenn, for encouraging me to do a little spiritual study this morning!
__________________ Ave Maria!
Mom to 5 girls and 3 boys
Mary Vitamin & Castle of the Immaculate
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SeaStar Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 16 2006
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Posted: Dec 31 2007 at 4:19pm | IP Logged
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I have to admit- the whole indulgence system makes my head spin. I'm quite sure that I really don't understand it at all. I have never made a point to study it, though, as an adult. Maybe that would be a good spiritual project for the new year.
__________________ Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
SQUILT Music Appreciation
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Helen Forum All-Star
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Posted: Dec 31 2007 at 9:46pm | IP Logged
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HI Melinda,
The new Enchiridion is stream lined. Only the most important prayers receive an indulgence. Indulgences are only partial and plenary now.
I like to think of an indulgence as part of the great jewel chest of the Church.
Christ, because of His great Mercy, has bestowed upon his bride a wonderful, rich dowry. With Her wealth, She endows certain prayers with rubies, emeralds or diamonds for the benefit of Her children.
__________________ Ave Maria!
Mom to 5 girls and 3 boys
Mary Vitamin & Castle of the Immaculate
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Jenn Sal Forum All-Star
Joined: June 23 2005 Location: Texas
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Posted: Jan 01 2008 at 2:52pm | IP Logged
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So am I understanding correctly that the First Friday Indulgence is no longer?
__________________ Jennifer, Texas
Wife to Mark, Mom to Cora 13,Kade 10, Sarah in Heaven 12/05, Colette 7, Corin 5, & Kieran 2
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Helen Forum All-Star
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Posted: Jan 01 2008 at 3:34pm | IP Logged
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Jenn Sal wrote:
So am I understanding correctly that the First Friday Indulgence is no longer? |
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I didn't originally intend this meaning. However, when I looked over the Enchiridion and then used the search engine with the PDF file, I didn't find any mention of First Friday.
The only Friday references were:
"A plenary indulgence is granted ot the fiathful, who in the solemn liturgical action of Good Friday devoutly assist at the adoration of the Cross and kiss it."
paragraph 17
and
"A plenary indulgence is granted on each Friday of Lent and Passiontide to the fiathful, who after Communion piously recite the above prayer [Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus] before an image of Christ crudificed; on other days of the year the indulgence is partial."
Paragraph 22
(I think I have a new practice for Lent!)
I also searched for "Sacred Heart" and didn't turn up anything for First Friday.
__________________ Ave Maria!
Mom to 5 girls and 3 boys
Mary Vitamin & Castle of the Immaculate
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SeaStar Forum Moderator
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Posted: Jan 01 2008 at 5:20pm | IP Logged
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Thanks, Helen, for the tip of where to start looking and learning. I love the prayer before the cross!
__________________ Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
SQUILT Music Appreciation
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