Vatican News has reported that Pope Francis will grant plenary indulgences for those who participate in the events of the ninth World Meeting of Families, which will take place in Dublin from 21-26 August, according to a decree published on Monday 21 May by the Apostolic Penitentiary. Pope Francis is offering the possibility of indulgences so that those who participate will be ‘spiritually prepared in the best way possible’, the decree states.
For those attending the events of WMOF, the decree says that the indulgence is granted to those who ‘devoutly participate at some event during the ninth World Meeting of Families’, with the usual conditions of Sacramental confession, reception of Communion, a prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father, and a heart completely detached from sin.
For those unable to attend the events in Dublin the decree indicates that the indulgence will be granted to those who in addition to the usual conditions are ‘united spiritually to the faithful present in Dublin, recite as a family an Our Father, the Creed and other devout prayers to invoke from the Divine Mercy the indicated intention, particularly when the words of the Pontiff are transmitted by television or radio.’
A partial indulgence has also been granted to any member of the faithful who prays for families with a contrite heart while the World Meeting of Families takes place.
The Decree also states the intention that Pope Francis desires in granting these indulgences on the occasion of the World Meeting of Families: ‘That the faithful, truly penitent and motivated by charity, might dedicate themselves to the sanctification of the family, following the example of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph’.
The World Meeting of Families 2018 will take place from 21–26 August in Dublin on the theme, ‘The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World’. Pope Francis confirmed that he will attend the World Meeting of Families during a presentation of the WMOF2018 Icon of the Holy Family in Rome in March.
For more information on WMOF2018, please see www.worldmeeting2018.ie.
(Source: Vatican News)
