Posted: Nov 03 2008 at 10:16am | IP Logged

13. Visit to a Cemetery (Coemeterii visitatio)
An indulgence, applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory, is granted to the faithful, who devoutly visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the departed.

The indulgence is plenary each day from the 1st to the 8th of November; on other days of the year it is partial.

The work prescribed for acquiring a plenary indulgence connected with a church or oratory consists in a devout visit and the recitation during the visit of one Our Father and the Creed.

To be capable of gaining an indulgence for oneself, it is required that one be
--baptized,
--not excommunicated,
--in the state of grace at least at the completion of the prescribed works, and
--a subject of the one granting the indulgence.

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.

To acquire a plenary indulgence it is necessary to perform the work to which the indulgence is attached and to fulfill the following three conditions:

1) sacramental confession,
2) Eucharistic Communion, and
3) prayer for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff.

It is further required that all attachment to sin, even venial sin, be absent.

If the latter disposition is in any way less than perfect or if the prescribed three conditions are not fulfilled, the indulgence will be partial only, saving the provisions given below in Norm 34 and in Norm 35 concerning those who are "impeded."

The three conditions may be fulfilled several days before or after the performance of the prescribed work; it is, however, fitting that Communion be received and the prayer for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff be said on the same day the work is performed.

A single sacramental confession suffices for gaining several plenary indulgences; but Communion must be received and prayer for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff must be recited for the gaining of each plenary indulgence.

mary theresa wrote: And one more question    when your toddler wants to run around and treat the gravestones as stepping stones (flat ones) or climbing apparatus (upright ones) -- what would you do? Would you let her sit on them but not stand? (which is what I have been trying) Is that still disrespectful? My husband doesn't think she should touch the stones at all. But I understand how they could seem so irresistable for doing SOMETHING on!