• Make the intention of receiving the plenary indulgence. Ask God to help you be completely detached from all sin. He wants this for you, and he will help! Have confidence in God and in his grace. Also, recite an Act of Contrition from the heart. 

 

• Decide whether you wish to receive the indulgence for yourself or for the souls in Purgatory. Make your decision part of your intention also.

 

• Think about when you last went to Confession, and consider whether you need to go again soon. To gain a plenary indulgence, one must go to confession within about 20 days before or after.

 

• Visit the Nativity scene at the Cathedral of Saint Paul or in another one of the area churches or public chapels.

 

• Pause in prayer for a few minutes before the Nativity, contemplating the birth of Our Lord, and pouring out petitions to God for peace. It is especially fitting to pray for peace in the Holy Land.

 

• Recite an Our Father, Apostles’ Creed, and conclude with the following brief litany (this all may be done in the pew – you need not remain before the Nativity for this part):

            

              Dearest Jesus, Infant King, have mercy on us.

              Most Blessed Mother, Queen of Peace, pray for us.

              Good Saint Joseph, Guardian and Protector of the Church, pray for us.

              Saint Francis of Assisi, protagonist of peace, pray for us.

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• Say a Hail Mary “for the intentions of our Holy Father, Pope Francis”. It is not necessary to know what his specific intentions are. Our Lady will know!

 

• Go to Holy Communion (in the state of grace) as soon as possible (within 20 days before or after). One confession can cover multiple indulgences – but one communion is needed for each indulgence. (Therefore, those who go to confession at least once a month and also go to Mass each day can theoretically receive one plenary indulgence per day!)

 

• Give thanks to God for these gifts of grace from Holy Mother Church, which help us on our path to eternal life with the Holy Family, St. Francis, and all the saints and angels!