Plenary Indulgences
Plenary Indulgences at The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
A plenary indulgence removes either part or all of the temporal punishment due to sin. Indulgences may be applied to the living or the dead. [Indulgentiarum doctrina, Norms 1 – 3]
What is a Plenary Indulgence?
A Plenary Indulgence is a way to obtain remission of punishment that results from sins that are already forgiven. This includes mortal or venial sins that the recipient has committed to date. The recipient must sincerely repent and detest the sins, and then fulfill all indulgence requirements.
Gaining a Plenary Indulgence at The Basilica Shrine
To gain the plenary indulgence, the following general conditions must be met:
sacramental confession, with an intention to renounce all attachment to sin
reception of Eucharistic Communion
prayer for the intention of the Supreme Pontiff
The reception of Penance and Holy Communion may be done within several days of the visit. If the indulgence is partial, then the conditions are not met.
Additional Minor Basilica Privileges
Minor Basilicas, like The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, are specifically tasked with celebrating the feasts of the liturgical year with great care and attention.
On numerous days of the year, “The faithful who devoutly visit the basilica and within it participate in any sacred rite or at least recite the Lord’s Prayer and the profession of faith may obtain a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions.”
In addition to excellence in the fostering of the Sacred Liturgy, Minor Basilicas are to be places of instruction in the Catholic Faith and evangelization.
Citations taken from the official text governing Minor Basilicas, Domus Ecclesiae.
Dates of Note
The faithful who visit the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on the following days may obtain a plenary indulgence if general conditions are met:
April 29: Public Anniversary of the Granting of the Title of Basilica (Decree of Concession dated December 6, 2022)
June 29: Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, apostles
August 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
November (Wednesday before Thanksgiving): Feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
December 8: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Anniversary of the Dedication of the Shrine in 1878
Once a year, each of the faithful may freely choose a special day for themselves. (such as a birthday, anniversary, or another appropriate occasion)