Penitential psalms as acts of contrition

Psalmi paenitentiales

Use a penitential psalm as a devout act of contrition.

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Time required Varies with the approved psalm prayer used

When: Any day
Where: No special location prescribed
Who: All eligible faithful
Application: Self or the departed

The prescribed work

Pray devoutly with contrition, using an approved text.

The work and its conditions

The general requirements include at least a general intention, the state of grace by the completion of the work, and a contrite heart. Complete the work as prescribed.

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.

Prescribed work

Duration varies

Varies with the approved psalm prayer used

No fixed number of minutes is prescribed. The grant treats approved psalm prayers as acts of contrition; it does not prescribe a single timed session or explicitly require all seven psalms for every act.

Timing sources

What the time estimate excludes

Ordinary travel to and from the venue, and waiting outside the prescribed work
Preparation and separately fulfilled sacramental conditions, except where the prescribed work itself includes Communion or a liturgical celebration

Prayer texts and resources

Follow the prayer count and formula specified in the requirements.

Source and exact reference

Prayer texts and grants have separate source histories. Consult the grant source for the prescribed work, occasion, and conditions.