Vatican: Plenary Indulgence for Salesians on 18 December

This year is a special year for us Salesians. We celebrate this year the 150th anniversary of the founding of our congregation! For this reason the Rector Major has requested a special indulgence on December 18 of this year. The following comes from the Salesian News Agency:

At the request of the Rector Major, the Apostolic Penitentiary has granted a plenary indulgence to the Salesians who will be renewing their religious profession on December 18.

The 150th anniversary of the founding of the Congregation will reach its climax on that day, commemorating the establishment of the Pious Salesian Society, as affirmed by the minutes drawn up by Fr. Alasonatti and countersigned by Don Bosco.

In his letter announcing the anniversary, dated June 24, 2008, Fr. Chavez invited the Salesians throughout the world on that day to renew their consecration. This act bringing to its conclusion the “year of grace,” as Fr. Chavez describes it, will crown the spiritual journey undertaken this year in which Salesians have been re-examining their Constitutions.

In his request addressed to the Apostolic Penitentiary, Don Bosco’s ninth successor explained the motive for the request: “…so that the confreres of the Salesian Society may be even more open to the divine generosity and therefore draw more abundant spiritual fruits.”

“Hence the Apostolic Penitentiary, on the authority of the Supreme Pontiff, willingly grants the plenary indulgence, which may be gained by the confreres of the Society of Saint Francis de Sales who, truly repentant, having fulfilled the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff), on December 18, 2009, renew the promise to fulfill faithfully the commitments of their vocation, solemnly, or even privately for the members legitimately prevented.”

The decree was issued on June 22, signed by Cardinal James Francis Stafford, major penitentiary, and Bishop Gianfranco Girotti, O.F.M. Conv., titular bishop Meta, regent.

Some provinces, are organizing solemn celebrations involving the various groups of the Salesian Family for the Salesians’ renewal of their consecration on December 18.