December 31 is a special date not only because it marks the end of one year and the beginning of a new one, but also because it is a significant opportunity for Catholics who wish to gain a plenary indulgence. This spiritual gift offers full remission of the temporal punishment due for sins already forgiven. Here’s how you can obtain it on this day according to the teachings of the Church.
What is a Plenary Indulgence?
A plenary indulgence is an act of mercy by the Church that allows for the complete remission of temporal punishment for sins committed. This grace is obtained by fulfilling certain conditions set by the Church and can be applied both to oneself and to souls in purgatory.
General Conditions for Gaining a Plenary Indulgence
To gain a plenary indulgence on December 31, the following general conditions must be met:
- Sacramental Confession: It is necessary to go to confession within a reasonable time, generally about 20 days before or after the indulgence.
- Eucharistic Communion: Participate in the Eucharist and receive Communion.
- Prayer for the Holy Father’s Intentions: Pray an Our Father, a Hail Mary and a Gloria for the Pope’s intentions.
- Total Detachment from Sin: Have an interior disposition that rejects all sin, even venial sin.
Specific Condition for December 31
In addition to the general conditions mentioned, the Church offers the plenary indulgence to the faithful who recite or sing the hymn “Te Deum” in Thanksgiving for the benefits received during the year that is ending. This hymn is an ancient prayer of praise and gratitude, deeply rooted in the liturgical tradition of the Church.
Steps to Recite the “Te Deum” and Gain the Indulgence
- Spiritual Preparation: Before reciting the “Te Deum,” it is important to prepare your heart and mind through confession and communion, seeking sincere conversion and detachment from sin.
- Choosing the Moment: The “Te Deum” can be recited at any time on December 31, although it is customary to do so during a liturgical celebration, such as Solemn Vespers at the end of the year.
- Recitation of the “Te Deum”: Actively participate in the recitation or singing of the hymn, whether in a church, in community, or privately. Be sure to also pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.
Text of the “Te Deum”
The “Te Deum” is a hymn of praise and gratitude. Below is the text so that you can recite it:
To you, God, we praise: to you, Lord, we acknowledge.
To you, eternal Father, all creation reveres.
All the angels, the heavens and all the powers, honor you. Cherubim and seraphim sing to you without ceasing: Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord, God of hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of your glory.
The glorious choir of the apostles exalts you.
The admirable multitude of the prophets exalts you.
The white army of martyrs exalts you.
The holy Church, spread throughout the earth, proclaims you: Father of immense majesty, only and true Son, worthy of adoration, Holy Spirit, defender.
You are the King of glory, Christ.
You are the only Son of the Father.
You, in becoming man to save us, did not disdain the womb of the Virgin.
You, having broken the chains of death, opened the kingdom of heaven to believers.
You are seated at the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father.
We believe that one day you will come as a judge.
We beseech you, then, to come to the aid of your servants, whom you have redeemed with your precious blood.
Grant that we may be numbered among your saints in eternal glory.
Additional Information on the Plenary Indulgence
It is possible to obtain a plenary indulgence not only at the end of the year, but also at the beginning of the new one. January 1, the Solemnity of Saint Mary Mother of God, is also a special occasion to gain a plenary indulgence by participating in the recitation of the hymn “Veni Creator” in a church or oratory, asking for the assistance of the Holy Spirit for the new year.
Gaining a plenary indulgence on December 31 is a powerful way to close the year in a state of grace, thanking God for all the blessings received. By fulfilling the general conditions and reciting the “Te Deum” with devotion, you can obtain this special grace for yourself or for the souls in purgatory. Take advantage of this opportunity to renew your faith and begin the new year with a clean heart filled with the love of God.
