Editor’s Note: Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., shares the following announcement from the Holy See regarding a plenary indulgence for Catholics taking part in 2021 March for Life events – whether virtually or in person.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF PLENARY INDULGENCE (Prot. N. 16/21/I)

The Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See has approved a plenary indulgence (total remission of temporal punishment for sin) surrounding the 2021 Washington, D.C., March for Life events scheduled on Thursday, January 28 and Friday, January 29, 2021, to all Catholics who participate either (1) in person or (2) virtually (online, TV, radio).  The usual conditions for obtaining a plenary indulgence apply:

1. Sacramental Confession (as soon as one is able within 20 days)
2. Eucharistic Communion (as soon as one is able within 20 days)
3. Prayer for the intention of the Holy Father (as soon as possible within 20 days)

The plenary indulgence applies to those who are able to be physically present and participate in March for Life 2021 events in Washington, 

D.C., on the assigned days and meet the above conditions as well as to those who may be “aged, sick” or otherwise unable by “grave reason”* to be physically present – “having the disposition of detachment from any sin, with the intention of fulfilling as soon as one is able, the three customary conditions” – who participate in these events virtually (online, TV, radio).

The plenary indulgence applies to the living participating physically or virtually or may be applied to the holy souls in purgatory.  It is in effect for January 28-29, 2021, only.

Decreed in Rome, January 13, 2021.