PERFECT CONTRITION
By having perfect contrition one can receive the forgiveness of sins, apart from going to confession.
Perfect contrition requires the following three things:
- A love of God above all else
- A sincere desire for the forgiveness from sin
- The resolution to go to confession as soon as possible when this health crisis subsides
PLENARY INDULGENCE
His Holiness, Pope Francis, has also granted a plenary indulgence under specific conditions.
The faithful who qualify for a plenary indulgence during the coronavirus pandemic:
- Those suffering from the coronavirus illness
- Health care workers, family members, and others caring for those with the coronavirus (exposing themselves to the virus)
The faithful must do at least one of the following:
- Unite yourself spiritually through the media in the celebration of the Holy Mass
- Recite the Rosary
- Pious practice of the Way of the Cross (or other forms of devotion)
- Recite the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and a Hail Mary
The faithful must be willing to perform all of the following as soon as possible: (considered the three usual conditions for a plenary indulgence)
- Going to Confession
- Receiving Holy Communion
- Praying for the intentions of Pope Francis