Plenary Indulgences

The 1968 Enchiridion Indulgentiarum is the official catalogue of indulgences granted by the Holy See. Here and below I provide the plenary indulgences listed in that book with their respective number in the list. Please note that there are many other plenary indulgences available at privileged altars, etc. which are not listed in the Enchiridion.

Only one plenary indulgence can be obtained per day (except at the moment of death), and it is applicable to one's own soul or to the souls in purgatory, with the normal conditions for a plenary indulgence (again except in articulo mortis): Sacramental Confession, Communion, and Prayer for the intention of the Holy Father, all to be performed within eight days of the indulgenced work. Under those conditions, the first four listed below may be obtained anytime.



Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament at least 1/2 hour. (3)

Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary in a Church or in the family. (48)

Bible, devout prayerful reading of at least 1/2 hour. (50)

Via Crucis, devoutly exercised (going from station to station with at least some mental prayer on the Passion and Death of the Lord at each station). When done in a group it suffices that at least the leader go from station to station. Those "impeded" can gain the same indulgence with at least 1/2 hour pious reading and meditation on the Lord's Passion and Death. (63)



Roman Major Basilicas, devout visit to any of the four reciting there a Pater and Credo, on the titular feast, on any holyday of obligation, or once a year on any day. (11)

Urbi et Orbi Papal Blessing devoutly received, even via live broadcast. (12)

Cemetery visit devoutly praying (at least mentally) for the departed during the Octave of all Souls: 1-8 November, applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory. (13)

Veneration of the cross of Good Friday during that service. (17)

"Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus..." prayer after receiving Holy Communion, any Friday of Lent, before an image of Christ crucified. (22)

Eucharistic Congress, participation in the closing Liturgy. (23)

Retreat (spiritual exercises) of at least three whole days. (25)

Sacred Heart Solemnity, publicly saying The Act of Reparation--"Most Sweet Jesus...". (26)

Christ the King Solemnity, publicly saying The Act of Dedication of the Human Race to Jesus Christ the King. (27)

In Articulo Mortis (at the moment of death), for the faithful who habitually recited some prayers during their lifetime, even if unable to be assisted by a priest and the sacraments. (28)

Saints Peter and Paul Solemnity (29 June) pious use of an object blessed by a bishop or the Pope saying the Creed. (35)

Parish Mission, hearing some of the sermons and participating in the solemn closing thereof. (41)

First Holy Communion, one's own or that of others. (42)

Solemn First Mass, one's own or that of others. (43)

Priestly anniversary upon 25, 50, 60 anniversary renewing his faithful purpose, and the faithful who assist at that solemn Mass. (49)

Station Church (Lent in Rome) visited on the proper day and attending a sacred function. (56)

Diocesan Synod devoutly visiting the Church thereof and saying a Pater and Credo. (58)

Tantum Ergo solemnly recited on Holy Thursday and Corpus Christi. (59)

Te Deum publicly recited on the last day of the year. (60)

Veni Creator publicly recited on the first day of the year and Pentecost. (61)

Parish church titular feast visit, or on the "Portiuncula" (2 August) saying a Pater and Credo. (65)

Church or altar on the day of its consecration, visit saying a Pater and Credo. (66)

All Souls Day visit a church or oratory, applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory, saying a Pater and Credo. (67)

Feast of the canonized Founder (of an Order), visit a church or oratory of the Order saying a Pater and Credo. (68)

Pastoral Visitation, attending a sacred function thereof to be obtained only once during the visitation. (69)

Renewal of Baptismal vows during the Easter Vigil or the anniversary of one's baptism. (70)