Pope Encourages Eucharistic RenaissanceEucharistic Congress, marveling at "the gift of the Lord".Pope Francis has granted an apostolic blessing to those attending the National Eucharistic Congress in the United States. Those who participate in any of the Eucharistic Revival events will be able to obtain a plenary indulgence, as reported by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The news comes after Archbishop Timothy Broglio asked the Vatican's Apostolic Penitentiary to grant an indulgence to those who perform the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. Likewise, the archbishop also requested that he or another bald man could impart a blessing and plenary indulgence to those attending the National Congress.
Indulgence on the Eucharistic Pilgrimage
The decree issued by the Vatican states that "the plenary indulgence will be granted to the Christian faithful who participate in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage at any time between May 17 and July 16, 2024." The elderly, the sick and those who for serious reasons are unable to travel but who "participate in spirit" in the pilgrimage will also obtain the indulgence if they unite "their prayers, pains or inconveniences to Christ" and to the pilgrims' journey. In addition, the faithful may apply the blessing received to the souls in Purgatory.
As the Bishops' Conference reminds us, the conditions for obtaining the indulgence are:
- Attending the sacrament of Confession
- Receiving the Eucharist
- Praying for the Pope's intentions
To facilitate obtaining this grace, the Apostolic Penitentiary asks priests to be available for pilgrims to go to confession during the pilgrimage.
Apostolic Blessing for the National Eucharistic Congress
Those attending the National Eucharistic Congress will also be able to receive the papal blessing and plenary indulgence, which will be imparted by Archbishop Broglio or another bishop assigned by him. The Vatican dicastery asks those who wish to receive the indulgence, in addition to the usual conditions already mentioned, "to be truly repentant and moved by charity."
The Penitentiary also notes in its decree for this occasion that "the plenary indulgence may be obtained by the faithful who, through reasonable circumstances and with pious intention, have participated in the sacred rites and received the papal blessing through the means of communication."
