|
FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK
If you are reading this text the world is still intact, Y2K did not destroy us and we have some work to do in the new Millennium. Perhaps we would be better served in this New Year to focus on the Jubilee. You may ask what is a Jubilee. You can get the full details on our parish Web site at http://www.st-john-of-st-paul.org/ however I'll briefly describe the highlights of this great opportunity of Grace as we begin this New Year. The norms and conditions for receiving the gift of the plenary indulgence of the Jubilee, which can also be applied to the souls in Purgatory, are listed completely in Incarnationis Mysterium and are only summarized here, using the Holy Father's exact words as much as possible: 1)After worthily celebrating sacramental confession…(2)Participation in the Eucharist, which is required for all indulgences, should properly take place on the same day as the prescribed works are performed...These two culminating moments must be accompanied, first of all, by…(3)prayer for the intentions of the Roman Pontiff, and also by (4)acts of charity and penance, following the indications given below: these acts are meant to express the true conversion of heart to which communion with Christ in the Sacraments leads….With regard to the required conditions, the faithful can gain the Jubilee indulgence: *In Rome or the Holy Land, by pious pilgrimage to designated Basilicas, taking part in pious exercises or liturgical celebrations. *In their local area if they make a sacred pilgrimage to the Cathedral Church and there assist devoutly at a liturgical celebration or other pious exercise… and in any place if they visit for a suitable time their brother and sisters in need or in difficulty (the sick, the imprisoned, the elderly living alone, the handicapped) as if making a pilgrimage to Christ present in them, and fulfilling the usual spiritual and sacramental conditions [the above 3 conditions] and saying the usual prayers [the 'Our Father', the profession of faith in any approved form, and prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary.]
|
|