Bishop Gruss has designated Pilgrimage Churches throughout the Diocese of Saginaw for the Jubilee Year of Hope which may be visited by many who wish to make a confession and attend Mass to receive the Plenary Indulgence. The location of these churches are where he will offer a Holy Hour for Vocations each month and are listed here.
The Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Hope began in the Diocese of Saginaw on December 29, 2024 on the Feast of the Holy Family and ends December 28, 2025 on the Feast of the Holy Family.
When declaring this Jubilee Year, Pope Francis stated: “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and a broad mind. The forthcoming Jubilee can help a great deal to restore a climate of hope and trust, as a sign of a new renaissance that we all perceive as urgent.”
What is a Plenary Indulgence?
An indulgence is the remission in the eyes of God of the temporal punishment due to sins, the guilt of which has been absolved through the Sacrament of Penance. The Christian faithful who are rightly disposed and fulfill the requirements gain this remission through the effective assistance of the Church.
A “Plenary Indulgence” frees a person from all of the temporal punishment due to sins (the necessary purification from sins “either here on earth, or after death in the state called ‘Purgatory’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1472) and may be gained only once on any one day.
How Can I Obtain a Plenary Indulgence During the Jubilee Year of Hope?
By receiving Holy Communion, making a profession of faith (reciting the Creed), praying for the Holy Father, Pope Francis, and for the intentions that he bears in his heart for the good of the Church and for the entire world, while doing any of the following:
† Visiting a Pilgrimage Church (see listing) while having the intention to obtain the indulgence
† Celebrating the Sacrament of Penance (before or after the visit)
† Performing one of the Spiritual or Corporal Works of Mercy (see listing)
† Praying for the Beloved Dead (at Mass that they be freed from sin and be embraced by God in eternal life)
† The sick and people who are elderly and alone may obtain the indulgence by receiving Holy Communion or attending Mass or community prayer (including participation through TV, the Internet or radio)
† Those who are incarcerated may visit the Chapel in prison
† Participate in diocesan or parish sponsored Jubilee Year events
† Visit the Cathedral or other special church designated by the local bishop for obtaining the Jubilee Indulgence.
† Fasting at least one day a week from “futile distractions” such as social media, television, video games, certain phone app.
