November 2020: Plenary Indulgence Extended

I pray for the dead. Yes, it’s a Catholic thing, but I think even if I wasn’t Catholic I’d still pray for the dead. I have a natural pull to do so. Maybe because I know that one day I will be among their ranks, and when that day comes, I would love to have someone pray for me.

2020 has been a year. It’s almost overwhelming to ponder it. But with all the suffering, there have been blessings too, blessings like this one: because of the pandemic, the Vatican has extended the special plenary indulgence for the month of November.

In years past, a plenary indulgence could be obtained for the deceased by visiting a cemetery from November 1 to November 8 and praying for the dead… along with the ususal conditions (free from attachment to sin, confession either the week before or after, and prayers for the Holy Father). But this year, the indulgence can be obtained by visiting a cemetery, even if only mentally, and on any day in November, and praying for the faithful departed.

There are many resouces available if you are interested in learning more about praying for the dead or about the Catholic understanding of Purgatory. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Hungry Souls
• Praying with the Saints for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
• Prayers, Promises, and Devotions for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

I would be honored if you would join me this month in praying for the dead.