Divine Mercy decree (2002)
Divine Mercy Sunday when even the alternative prayers are impossible
Unite spiritually with those undertaking the prescribed devotion.
Time required No fixed duration; spiritual union and an offering.
- When
- Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)
- Where
- Where the person is prevented
- Who
- Legitimately impeded people unable even to perform the image-and-prayers alternative
- Application
- Self or the departed
The prescribed work
- Unite spiritually with those performing the prescribed Divine Mercy practice to obtain the indulgence in the usual way.
- Offer prayer and illness or life’s difficulties to the merciful Lord.
- Resolve to fulfil the usual conditions as soon as possible.
The work and its conditions
A plenary indulgence also requires complete detachment from every sin, sacramental confession, Holy Communion, and prayer for the Pope’s intentions, subject to the grant’s stated exceptions. The ordinary limit is one plenary indulgence per day.
Conditions common to every indulgence
The person gaining an indulgence must be baptized, not excommunicated, and in the state of grace at least when the prescribed works are completed. There must be at least a general intention to gain indulgences, and the prescribed work must be performed at the time and in the manner required by the grant.
Read the full conditions and norms. The cited grant and its specific provisions govern.
Time required
Read each branch with its own conditions. An editorial estimate is not a prescribed minimum.
Spiritual union and offering
Duration varies
Variable; no fixed number of minutes is prescribed.
No fixed minimum number of minutes is stated. The seriously impeded provision specifies prayer and offering difficulties, not a timed exercise. It does not require prolonging illness or suffering.
What the time estimate excludes
- Ordinary travel to and from the venue, and waiting outside the prescribed work
- Separate confession, Communion and prayer for the Pope’s intentions, except where a branch expressly includes the prescribed celebration
Source and exact reference
Prayer texts and grants have separate source histories. Consult the grant source for the prescribed work, occasion, and conditions.