In a move to foster devotion among the faithful, a Plenary Indulgence is granted to Catholics taking part in Sunday's World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, writes Vatican News.

The indulgence is subject to the usual conditions of sacramental Confession, reception of the Eucharist, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father. It will be valid only for the Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.

To celebrate this day, the National Marriage, Family and Life Commission invites everyone to Carfin Grotto for Mass this Sunday (28 July) at 3:00pm. The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop John Keenan.

The World Day was established by Pope Francis in 2021 and is celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.

This year it is celebrated on Sunday 28 July under the theme theme "Do not cast me off in my old age" (cf. Ps 71:9),

According to a Decree signed by the Major Penitentiary, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, the plenary indulgence will be granted to grandparents, the elderly, and all faithful who “motivated by a true spirit of penance and charity” will participate in the various functions to be held for the Day throughout the world.

Plenary Indulgence

A plenary indulgence offers remission of the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven, which can be applied to oneself or to the souls in Purgatory.

The Apostolic Penitentiary extends the same Plenary Indulgence to those who dedicate significant time to visit—either in-person or by virtual means of communication—their elderly brothers and sisters who are in need or facing difficulties, such as the sick, abandoned, and those with disabilities.

The Plenary Indulgence may also be granted to the elderly sick and all those who, unable to leave their homes for a serious reason, will unite themselves spiritually to the sacred functions of the World Day, offering their prayers, pains or sufferings to God, especially during the various celebrations which will be broadcast through the media

However, the indulgence requires that the faithful maintain detachment from sin and intend to fulfill the three usual conditions as soon as possible (see above, seconf paragraph).

In the Decree, the Apostolic Penitentiary urges priests authorized to hear confessions to make themselves available with a generous spirit for the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance.