A plenary or full indulgence for the remission of temporal punishment due to sin can typically be obtained for a soul in purgatory during the first week in November. This year, because of the pandemic, the plenary indulgence may be obtained throughout the whole month of November.

The full indulgence is traditionally offered on All Souls Day, November 2, for those who visit a church or oratory and recite the Our Father and the Creed.

This year, those who cannot leave their homes may also receive the plenary indulgence if they recite prayers for the deceased or reflect on the Gospel reading used in a Mass for the dead before an image of Jesus or the Blessed Virgin Mary. The indulgence may also be received by performing an act of mercy.

In all cases, the normal requirements set by the Church for obtaining a plenary indulgence must be fulfilled:

• Having a spirit detached from sin
• Going to confession as soon as possible
• Receiving the Eucharist as soon as possible
• Praying for the Pope’s intentions (an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be)
• Being united spiritually with the faithful

Only one plenary indulgence for a soul in purgatory may be received on a given day.