Plenary Indulgence for the World Youth Day

(July 5, 2008) The plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, on the occasion of the “Twenty-third World Youth Day”, will gather at Sydney in the spirit of pilgrimage; all those who, wherever they are, will pray for the spiritual goals of this Meeting and for its happy outcome can also gain the partial indulgence. An indulgence, in Roman Catholic theology, is the full or partial remission of temporal punishment due for sins which have already been forgiven. The indulgence is granted by the church after the sinner has confessed and received absolution. According to the Decree issued in Rome on the 28^th of June, the Plenary Indulgence is granted to those who will devotedly participate at some sacred function or pious exercise taking place during the “Twenty-third World Youth Day”, including its solemn conclusion, so that, having received the Sacrament of Reconciliation and being truly repentant, they receive Holy Communion and devoutly pray according to the intentions of Holy Father. The Partial Indulgence is granted to the faithful, wherever they are during the above-mentioned meeting, if, at least with a contrite spirit, they will raise their prayer to God the Holy Spirit, so that young people are drawn to charity and given the strength to proclaim the Gospel with their life. The decree calls on the priests who have received legitimate approval to hear sacramental confessions, to welcome the faithful with a ready and generous spirit and suggest public prayers to the faithful, for the success of the same “World Youth Day”. The Twenty Third World Youth Day is celebrated from 15 to 20 July, in Sydney, “in the great southern land of the Holy Spirit” as expressed by Pope John Paul II, with the theme: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses”