Pope Francis has granted plenary indulgences to participants of the upcoming National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and Congress in the United States.
This special provision, applicable from May 17 to July 21, coincides with the National Eucharistic Revival led by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the USCCB and leader of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, expressed his gratitude towards Pope Francis for endorsing this spiritual benefit. “It is with gratitude to the Holy Father that we receive his Apostolic Blessing upon the participants,” Broglio said. He emphasized that the indulgences are a profound opportunity for spiritual renewal among American Catholics.
The indulgence will be available to those physically attending the events and those who are elderly, infirm, or otherwise unable to leave their homes but join in spirit. Participants must fulfill the traditional requirements of receiving the sacraments of Confession and the Eucharist, and praying for the Pope’s intentions to gain the indulgence.
The decrees from the Apostolic Penitentiary also extend the privilege of a plenary indulgence to those participating through media in cases where attendance is impeded by reasonable circumstances.
The USCCB hopes to foster a deeper connection and understanding of the Eucharist among American Catholics through the National Eucharistic Revival initiative. Starting with a year of Diocesan Renewal and followed by a year of Parish Renewal, the initiative will culminate in the National Eucharistic Congress scheduled for July 17-21 in Indianapolis.
Editorial credit: Francesco Cantone / Shutterstock.com
