CV NEWS FEED // Catholics have the opportunity to receive plenary indulgences at the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and National Eucharistic Congress, the United States Council of Catholic Bishops announced this week.
Archbishop Timothy Broglio, President of the USCCB, stated in an April 9 news release, “It is with gratitude to the Holy Father that we receive his Apostolic Blessing upon the participants in the National Eucharistic Congress, and for the opportunity for Catholics in our country to obtain a plenary indulgence by participating in the events of the Eucharistic Revival.”
Pope Francis and the Apostolic Penitentiary approved Archbishop Broglio’s requests for these plenary indulgence opportunities.
Catholics can receive a plenary indulgence any time from Mary 17 to July 16 by participating in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, under the usual conditions of receiving Holy Communion and Reconciliation, and praying for the pope’s intentions. The indulgence can also be offered up for a soul in Purgatory instead of for oneself.
For elderly, infirm, and those who are unable to travel or attend due to sickness or grave reason, the indulgence is still available by participating in spirit with the Pilgrimage.
Catholics can also receive a plenary indulgence when attending the National Eucharistic Congress, which will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana, from July 17-21.
According to the USCCB, the decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary for this indulgence
says that Archbishop Broglio or another prelate of episcopal rank assigned by him, following the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, may impart the Papal Blessing with a Plenary Indulgence to the Christian Faithful who participate in the National Eucharistic Congress, who are truly repentant, and who are motivated by charity, if the usual conditions for indulgences—sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father—have been met.
Archbishop Broglio expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for his support of the National Eucharistic Revival, which began in 2022 and will conclude in 2025.
“Through the efforts of the revival over the last two years, we have been building up to the pilgrimage and congress that will offer Catholics a chance to experience a profound, personal revival of faith in the Eucharist,” Broglio stated. “Pope Francis continues to encourage and support us as we seek to share Christ’s love with a world that is desperately in need of Him.”
