A special indulgence is granted, by Cardinal Stafford, Apostolic
Penitentiary, with the Holy Father's authority, to "the faithful who, on
the occasion of the 23rd World Youth Day [15-20 July 2008], will gather
at Sydney in the spirit of pilgrimage," as well as to all the faithful
who "pray for the spiritual goals of this Meeting."The plenary
indulgence is granted to the faithful who, on the occasion of the
"Twenty-third World Youth Day", will gather at Sydney in the spirit of
pilgrimage; all those who, wherever they are, will pray for the
spiritual goals of this Meeting and for its happy outcome can also gain
the partial indulgence.
The Youth Meeting held in the year 2005 in Cologne, offered the
Apostolic Penitentiary an opportune occasion, with the authority of the
Supreme Pontiff, to open wide to youth the spiritual treasures of the
Church, with the aim of gathering singular fruits of sanctification.
Hence, this year, from 15 to 20 July, in Sydney, "in the great southern
land of the Holy Spirit" (according to the expression of John Paul II),
will celebrate the "Twenty-third World Youth Day", with the theme: "You
will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will
be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8).
Indeed, young people gathered around the Vicar of Christ will
participate in the sacred functions and above all have recourse to the
Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. In the Sacraments
received with a sincere and humble heart, they will earnestly desire to
strengthen themselves in the Spirit, and, confirmed by the Chrism of
salvation, will openly witness the Faith before others even to the ends
of the earth. May God grant that the very presence of the Supreme
Pontiff among the young people gathered in Sydney express and render it
such.
During the Audience the Holy Father granted to the undersigned on 21
June, the Supreme Pontiff has expressly confirmed to the Apostolic
Penitentiary the special faculty to declare, through the present Decree,
the bestowal of the gift of the Indulgence as follows:
The Plenary Indulgence is granted to the faithful who will devotedly
participate at some sacred function or pious exercise taking place
during the "Twenty-third World Youth Day", including its solemn
conclusion, so that, having received the Sacrament of Reconciliation and
being truly repentant, they receive Holy Communion and devoutly pray
according to the intentions of His Holiness.
The Partial Indulgence is granted to the faithful, wherever they are
during the above-mentioned meeting, if, at least with a contrite spirit,
they will raise their prayer to God the Holy Spirit, so that young
people are drawn to charity and given the strength to proclaim the
Gospel with their life.
So that all the faithful may more easily obtain these heavenly gifts,
priests who have received legitimate approval to hear sacramental
confessions, should welcome them with a ready and generous spirit and
suggest public prayers to the faithful, for the success of the same
"World Youth Day".
The present Decree is valid for this event. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary.
Given in Rome, at the Seat of the Apostolic Penitentiary, 28 June in the
Year of the Incarnation of the Lord 2008, vigil of the Solemnity of
Saints Peter and Paul.
Cardinal James Francis Stafford
Major Penitentiary
Gianfranco Girotti, O.F.M. Conv.
Titular Bishop of Meta, Regent
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