Indulgences QUESTION from Ronald Smith September 26, 1999 If an individual does the required things to get a plenary indulgence (for instance, meeting the usual requirements and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for at least 1/2 hour), does this actually mean that all of the time that we would have to spend in Purgatory up to that point in time is forgiven and eliminated?
ANSWER by John-Paul Ignatius on October 6, 1999 Dear Mr. Smith:
Yes, if you meet all requirements for the plenary indulgence, which includes being free from all attachment to sin, even venial sin, then all punishments that you would have incurred in purgatory, up to the time you made the plenary indulgence, are remitted. You have a clean slate.
But remember, in addition to whatever the requirements are for the act of devotion you are doing, you must ALSO have no attachment to sin -- even venial sin. That is the hard requirement.
John-Paul
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