Praying for the dead : The Church is helping our prayers this year
In the light of the Coronavirus, the full indulgence traditionally offered by the Church on Nov 2nd and throughout the first week of November for those who visit a church and recite the Our Father and the Creed can this year be gained any day in November.
Those who cannot leave their homes or residence for “serious reasons,” which includes government restrictions during a pandemic, can also receive a plenary indulgence after reciting specific prayers for the deceased or reflecting on a Gospel reading designated for Masses of the dead before an image of Jesus or the Blessed Virgin Mary, or by performing a work of mercy.
In all cases, one also must fulfil the normal requirements set by the church for all plenary indulgences, which demonstrate a resolve to turn away from sin and convert to God. Those conditions include: having a spirit detached from sin; going to confession as soon as possible; receiving the Eucharist as soon as possible; praying for the pope’s intentions; and being united spiritually with all the faithful.