A new gift from Pope Francis for Jasna Góra: the sanctuary has been given the privilege to grant plenary indulgence “in perpetuo”, that is, it has “perpetual power” for all the faithful visiting this sacred place. This is the Holy See’s response to the Pauline Fathers’ request for the piety of the faithful and for the spiritual well-being of millions of pilgrims arriving at the Częstochowa monastery. Many sanctuaries in the world have the privilege to grant various indulgences, the privilege is granted due to various anniversaries or jubilees.
The indulgence given by the Holy See on a permanent basis, that is, without the need for re-applying is already a special distinction. As the Superior General of the Pauline Order Fr. Arnold Chrapkowski pointed out, the reason for the request to the Apostolic Penitentiary “was the concern for the spiritual well-being of every pilgrim who comes to Our Lady so that he/she can enjoy the great richness of the Church that is the grace of indulgence.” Indulgence can be obtained under normal conditions, that is, being in a state of sanctifying grace, receiving communion and offering a prayer in the intention of the Holy Father. To the normal conditions, special conditions of Jasna Góra must be added by: the visitation of Jasna Góra in the form of a pilgrimage and offering a prayer for the Poland’s fidelity to its Christian vocation, a prayer for new priestly and religious vocations and for the protection of the institution of family.
The Superior General of the Pauline Order emphasizes that these intentions are extremely important, as they not only point out the role that Jasna Góra plays for our nation, but also point out “the great concern of all, that is, the need of new vocations, so that there are no shortage of priests who will celebrate the sacraments and the need to protect the family that is in great crisis today.”
In exceptional situations e.g. disease, old age, or other important reasons, people staying in homes who cannot come to the sanctuary, but who express such desire and pray before any image of Our Lady of Jasna Góra can receive the indulgence.
Fr. Chrapkowski emphasizes that this is a great gift of Pope Francis given through the Apostolic Penitentiary. – The idea came to life a long time ago, but the road was long. It was necessary to collect many documents, including historical ones, confirming the privileges given to this place over the centuries and appropriately justifying the request made by the Order – he notes.
The document was signed on February 22, at the feast of St. Paul’s Cathedral. – This demonstrates our relationship with the Holy Father, with the Holy See; it is a proof of the special connection of Jasna Góra sanctuary with the Vatican – emphasized the Superior General and recalls that “every day there is a prayer for the Pope; a Mass is celebrated every day in his intention. Also Bishops of Rome are coming here: John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis were here.”
He emphasizes however that this is also “a sign that the ministry of the Pauline Fathers in this place, especially in the sacrament of repentance and reconciliation, is very important.” – It is also a gift to us for the 750th anniversary of the death of the founder, Blessed Eusebius as well as it is highlighting the relationship with Jasna Góra.
The official document with the gift of indulgence was presented to the Superior General of the Order of St. Paul the First Hermit by Fr. Krzysztof Nykiel, Regens of the Apostolic Penitentiary during the Jasna Góra Appeal on February 26, 2020.
The representative of the Holy See read the document which besides the conditions for the perpetual indulgence “in perpetuo”, encouraged Pauline Fathers who generously devote themselves to the sacrament of confession to even greater generosity in access to the power of God Mercy and carrying of the Eucharistic Christ to people.
In the sacrament of penance, God forgives man sins if he/she sincerely regrets it. However, he/she still has a duty to make restitution to heal the violated moral order, for every evil is a violation of justice and love.
Forgiveness of sins does not free us from penalty here on earth or in purgatory. The indulgence granted by the Church can bring that. We can obtain indulgence for ourselves or for a deceased person after certain conditions have been met.
We can receive a full indulgence – the entire penalty goes away, or partial – part of the penalty is forgiven. The conditions for the full indulgence: the absence of any attachment to sin, even the week one, the state of sanctifying grace or sacramental confession; the reception of Holy Communion, prayer for the intention which the Holy Father designates for each day.
KAI/ad
