How Indulgences Work

Indulgences aren't magic, so how exactly do they work? By sharing practical examples, Dr. Sri explains the teachings of the Catholic Church regarding indulgences, focusing on the double consequence of sin, and clarifying how devotions and spiritual exercises heal our souls and help us overcome our attachment to sin. Whether it's a pilgrimage, prayer, or acts of charity, learn how these practices help us grow in devotion and find greater spiritual freedom.

Snippet from the Show

Indulgences are not random magical acts; they are intentional spiritual exercises that strengthen our souls. 

Shownotes

CCC 1471

An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints." "An indulgence is partial or plenary according as it removes either part or all of the temporal punishment due to sin." Indulgences may be applied to the living or the dead.

CCC 1472

To understand this doctrine and practice of the Church, it is necessary to understand that sin has a double consequence. Grave sin deprives us of communion with God and therefore makes us incapable of eternal life, the privation of which is called the "eternal punishment" of sin. On the other hand every sin, even venial, entails an unhealthy attachment to creatures, which must be purified either here on earth, or after death in the state called Purgatory. This purification frees one from what is called the "temporal punishment" of sin. These two punishments must not be conceived of as a kind of vengeance inflicted by God from without, but as following from the very nature of sin. A conversion which proceeds from a fervent charity can attain the complete purification of the sinner in such a way that no punishment would remain

Examples of Spiritual Exercises Associated with Indulgences

• Praying the Rosary in a group
• Praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament for at least 30 mins
• Praying with the Stations of the Cross
• 30 minutes of Scripture reading in a day
• Visiting one of the four major Basilicas in Rome
• Going through a Holy Door 
• Visiting one of the Jubilee Year Churches 
• Fasting from food, drink, or social media
• Giving alms to the poor
• Serving migrants
• Visiting the elderly and the sick
• Participating in faith formation activities at your parish related to the teachings of Vatican II or the Catechism.
  

Upcoming Events List (2025)

• Mar 1: Summit Men's Conference - Denver, CO
• Mar 8-16: Rome Pilgrimage - Italy
• Mar 6: SEEK St. Vincent de Paul - Denver, CO
• Mar 21-22: Minneapolis / St. Paul Archdiocese Men's Conference - Coon Rapids, MN
• Mar 26-27: Holy Family Parish Mission - Wayzata, MN
• April 4-5: Parish of the Resurrection - Nashua, NH
• April 5: Men's Conference - Worcester, MA
• Apr 9-10: St. Ann's Parish Mission - Sherman, TX
• May 16-17: Ave Maria Retreat - Ave Maria, FL
• June 22-30: Rome Pilgrimage - Italy
• Aug 2-5: Grand Getaway - Mackinac Island, MI
• Aug 9: Emmaus: Diocesan Family Conference - Gary, IN
• Oct 8: Legatus - Jacksonville, FL

Resources

• Visit Dr. Sri’s website at www.edwardsri.com and to book online events with Dr. Sri email events.edwardsri@gmail.com
• Find more of Dr. Sri’s episodes at www.ascensionpress.com/allthingscatholic 
• Ascension is pleased to offer our new and improved online bible study programs and sacramental preparation programs digitally to help you minister with flexibility. Go to www.ascensionpress.com to view all our offerings