On 29th August 2023, Pope Francis through the Apostolic Penitentiary graciously granted the request of Their Excellencies, Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, and Bishop Paolo Martinelli, OFM Cap., Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, for a Plenary Indulgence on the occasion of the Extraordinary Jubilee of St. Arethas and Companions from 24th October 2023 to 23rd October 2024. This is to foster the devotion of the faithful and the salvation of souls.
The Decree signed by His Eminence Mauro Cardinal Piacenza, Major Penitentiary, outlines the actions and conditions to receive a Plenary Indulgence during the Jubilee of St. Arethas and Companions, which may be through a pilgrimage at any time to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia entering the Holy Door, or to the Parish of St. Arethas participating in the jubilee rites (such as pilgrimage to the place of martyrdom, veneration of the holy relics of St. Arethas). The elderly, the infirm and all those who are unable to participate physically will also be able to obtain the plenary indulgence under the usual conditions if they spiritually join themselves to the Jubilee celebrations. The grant of the Plenary Indulgence is also extended to the Holy Family Co-Cathedral in Kuwait to those who “have devoutly offered intercessory prayers.” It is further stated that the Plenary Indulgence can be offered to the souls of the faithful departed in Purgatory.
Moreover, the Apostolic Penitentiary issued a related Decree granting the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, H.E. Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., the faculty to impart “Apostolic (Papal) Blessing with attached Plenary Indulgence” after the celebration of the Holy Mass on a suitable day during the Jubilee “to all faithful present who are truly penitent and impelled by charity.”
The Apostolic Blessing or Papal Blessing is a blessing imparted by the Pope, either directly or by delegation through others. The blessing is imparted in place of the normal blessing at the end of the Holy Mass, using a particular formula. A plenary indulgence is granted to those who devoutly receive the Papal Blessing when imparted by the Pope himself in the Urbi et Orbi form or by bishops in accordance with his authorization in exceptional circumstances.
During the Jubilee of St. Arethas, Bishop Aldo intends to impart the Apostolic Blessing with attached Plenary Indulgence on at least two occasions: during the Solemn Opening Mass of the Jubilee on 24th October 2023 at the Parish of St. Arethas and on 4th November 2023 for the Solemn Opening Mass of the Jubilee at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia.
In obtaining a Plenary Indulgence, the three usual conditions apply: Sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father.
Read the two Decrees in Latin and their English translations:
1. Apostolic Penitentiary Decree on Plenary Indulgence
2. English Translation of the Decree on Plenary Indulgence
3. Apostolic Penitentiary Decree on Apostolic Blessing with attached Plenary Indulgence
4. English Translation of the Decree on Apostolic Blessing with attached Plenary Indulgence