Pope Francis has granted a plenary indulgence to anyone who devoutly participates in one of the sacred functions taking place during the Eighth World Meeting of Families either in person or in spirit.

The Apostolic Penitentiary issued a decree on Monday which grants the indulgence to those participating in the World Meeting of Families from September 22 to 27.

The theme for the meeting is “Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive” and is intended to direct the energies of the Church and civil society toward care of marriage and the family.

“In order that the faithful may be better prepared spiritually to participate in this event, His Holiness Francis willingly grants the gift of Indulgences according to the conditions indicated below, so that, being truly repentant, and motivated by charity, they devote themselves to the sanctification of the family, according to the example set by the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph,” the decree states.

“The Plenary Indulgence is granted to the faithful under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayers for the Supreme Pontiff's intentions) who, with a spirit wholly detached from every sin, and with hearts united to the spiritual ends of the upcoming Year of Mercy, devoutly participate at one of the sacred functions taking place during the Eighth World Meeting of Families, including its solemn conclusion.”

For those faithful who are truly repentant and are unable to participate in the event, they can obtain the indulgence under the same conditions and if, “united in spirit and mind with the faithful gathered in Philadelphia, they devoutly recite within their own families the Our Father, the Creed and other prayers for the same intentions, invoking the Divine Mercy, especially when the Holy Father’s words or message are broadcast on television and radio.”

In addition, a partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who, at any time during the World Meeting of Families, prays with a contrite heart for the good of families.

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