Purgatory Explained by the Lives and Legends of the Saints

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Part Two - Purgatory, The Mystery of God's Mercy

"It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins." -2 Machabees 12:46


Chapter 28. Relief of the Holy Souls - Indulgences - Indulgenced Prayers

There are certain indulgences which are easy to be gained, and are applicable to the dead. We hope to afford pleasure to the reader by indicating the principal ones.

1) The prayer: Oh, good and most sweet Jesus - A plenary indulgence for those who, having confessed and
communicated, recite this prayer before an image of Christ crucified, and adding some other prayer for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff.

2) Indulgenced Rosary Beads - Great indulgences are attached to the recitation of the Holy Rosary, if we make use of beads indulgenced either by our Holy Father, the Pope, or by a priest who has received the faculties.

3) The Stations of the Cross - As we have said elsewhere, several plenary indulgences, and a great number of partial indulgences, are attached to the Stations of the Cross. These indulgences do not require Confession and Communion; it suffices to be in the state of grace, and to have a sincere sorrow for all our sins. As to the exercise itself of the Stations of the Cross, it requires but two conditions - 1st, to visit the fourteen Stations, passing from one to the other, as much as circumstances will permit; 2nd, to meditate at the same time on the Passion of Jesus Christ. Persons who do not know how to make connected meditation may content themselves with thinking affectionately of some circumstance of the Passion suited to their capacity. We exhort them, without, however, imposing it as an obligation, to recite a Pater and Ave before each cross, and to make an act of contrition for their sins.

4) The Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity - An indulgence of seven years and seven quarantines each time they are recited.

5) The Litany of the Blessed Virgin - Three hundred days each time.

6) The Sign of the Cross - Fifty days each time; with holy water, a hundred days.

7) Diverse prayers. My Jesus, mercy! - A hundred days each time. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine. - Three hundred days, one a day. Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation. - Three hundred days each time.

8) Praised be Jesus Christ. R. Forever and ever. Amen, - Fifty days each time that two persons salute each other with these words.

9) The Angelus - An indulgence of a hundred days each time it is recited, either in the morning, at noon, or in the evening, at the sound of the bell, kneeling, and with a contrite heart.