BULLETIN No. 0328- 12.05.2009
Omnibus fidelibus, denique, partialis conceditur Indulgentia, quoties ad sacerdotum conservationem in punritate et sanctitate vitae impetrandam, quinquies Pater, Ave et Gloria in honorem Sacr.mi Cordis Iesu devote recitaverint vel aliam ad hoc approbatam precem.
Praesenti durante Anno Sacerdotali valituro. Quibuscumque in contrarium facientibus non obstantibus.
Datum Romae, ex aedibus Paenitentiariae Apostolicae, die XXV mensis Aprilis, in festo S. Marci, Ev., anno Dominicae Incarnationis MMIX.
Iacobus Franciscus S. R .E. Card. Stafford
Paenitentiarius Maior
X Ioannes Franciscus Girotti, O. F. M. Conv.
Ep.
Tit. Metensis, Regens
[00785-07.01]
[Original version: Latin]
URBIS ET
ORBIS
DECREE
During
the Year for Priests established by the Holy Father on the occasion of the
anniversary of the death of St. John Mary Vianney, the gift of special
indulgences is granted.
Shortly the day will come on which will be
commemorated the 150th anniversary of the pious departure to Heaven of St John
Mary Vianney, the Curé d'Ars. This Saint was a wonderful model here on earth of
a true Pastor at the service of Christ's flock.
Since his example is used to encourage the faithful,
and especially priests, to imitate his virtues, the Supreme Pontiff Benedict
XVI has established that for this occasion a special Year for Priests will be
celebrated, from 19 June 2009 to 19 June 2010, in which all priests may be
increasingly strengthened in fidelity to Christ with devout meditation,
spiritual exercises and other appropriate actions.
This holy period will begin with the Solemnity of the
Sacred Heart of Jesus, a day of priestly sanctification on which the Supreme
Pontiff will celebrate Vespers in the presence of the holy relics of St John
Mary Vianney, brought to Rome by the Bishop of Belley-Ars, France.
The Most Holy Father will likewise preside at the
conclusion of the Year for Priests in
St Peter's Square, in the presence of priests from across the world who will
renew their fidelity to Christ and the bond of brotherhood.
May priests commit themselves, with prayer and good
works, to obtaining from Christ the Eternal High Priest, the grace to shine
with Faith, Hope, Charity and the other virtues, and show by their way of life,
but also with their external conduct, that they are dedicated without reserve
to the spiritual good of the people, something that the Church has always had
at heart.
The gift of Sacred Indulgences which the Apostolic
Penitentiary, with this Decree issued in conformity with the wishes of the
August Pontiff, graciously grants during the Year for Priests will be of great
help in achieving the desired purpose in the best possible way.
BULLETIN no.. 0328-12.05.2009
A. Truly repentant priests who, on any day, devoutly
recite at least morning Lauds or Vespers before the Blessed Sacrament, exposed
for public adoration or retained in the tabernacle, and who, after the example
of St John Mary Vianney, offer themselves with a ready and generous heart for
the celebration of the sacraments, especially Confession, are mercifully
granted in God the Plenary Indulgence, which they may also apply in
suffrage to their deceased brethren, if, in conformity with the current norms,
they receive sacramental confession, participate in the Eucharistic banquet and
pray for the Supreme Pontiff's intentions.
Furthermore the Partial Indulgence is granted
to priests, who may likewise apply it to their deceased confreres, every time
that they devoutly recite the prayers duly approved so as to lead a holy life
and to carry out in a holy manner the offices entrusted to them.
B. The Plenary Indulgence is granted to all the
faithful who are truly repentant who, in a church or in a chapel, devoutly
attend the divine Sacrifice of Mass and offer prayers to Jesus Christ the
Eternal High Priest, for the priests of the Church, and any other good work
which they have done on that day, so that he may sanctify them and form them in
accordance with His Heart, as long as they have made expiation for their sins
through sacramental confession and prayed in accordance with the Supreme
Pontiff's intentions: on the days in which the Year for Priests begins and
ends, on the day of the 150th anniversary of the pious passing of St John Mary
Vianney, on the first Thursday of the month or on any other day established by
the local Ordinaries for the benefit of the faithful.
It will be most appropriate, in cathedral and parish
churches, for the same priests who are in charge of pastoral care to publicly
direct these exercises of devotion, to celebrate Holy Mass and to hear the
confession of the faithful.
The Plenary Indulgence will likewise be granted
to the elderly, the sick and all those who for any legitimate reason are
confined to their homes who, with a mind detached from any sin and with the
intention of fulfilling as soon as possible the three usual conditions, at home
or wherever their impediment detains them, provided that on the above-mentioned
days they recite prayers for the sanctification of priests and confidently
offer the illnesses and hardships of their lives to God through Mary Queen of
Apostles.
Lastly, the Partial Indulgence is granted to
all the faithful every time they devoutly recite five Our Fathers, Hail
Marys and Glorias, or another expressly approved prayer, in honour
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to obtain that priests be preserved in purity and
holiness of life.
This Decree is valid for the entire duration of the
Year for Priests. Anything to the contrary notwithstanding.
Given in Rome, at the Offices of the Apostolic
Penitentiary on 25 April, the Feast of St Mark the Evangelist, in the year of
the Incarnation of our Lord 2009.
Cardinal James Francis Stafford
Major Penitentiary
+
Gianfranco Girotti, O.F.M. Conv.
Titular Bishop of Meta, Regent