The Manual of Indulgences, approved by the Holy See, was published in 2006 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The book is a 160 page explanation of indulgences. Here are some of the rules:
- indulgences are available for the devout use of a blessed crucifix, cross, scapular, rosary or medal
- If an indulgence is granted for visiting a church and the church is destroyed, the site remains a holy site if the building is rebuilt within fifty years
- Only the pope can authorize indulgences. Since he is a busy man, he can delegate the issuance of indulgences to the following: eparchial and diocesan bishops within their jurisdictions (but plenary only three times a year), metropolitans (but only partial outside their jurisdiction), patriarchs (partial and plenary three times a year – even outside their jurisdiction), etc., etc.
- Indulgences granted for a pilgrimage on a particular day: the day is a 36 hour day beginning at noon of the preceding day
It is incredible the religious hoops that people are willing to jump through instead of receiving the simple and wonderful gift of forever forgiveness. It is sad, is it not? Blessed medals and scapulars? Idolatry. It makes me weep.
