The Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See has approved a plenary indulgence (total remission of temporal punishment for sin) surrounding the 2021 Washington DC March for Life events scheduled on Thursday, January 28 and Friday January 29, 2021 to all those 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, DC, 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.



(*a “grave reason” might include the physical inability to leave home or travel; required personal, familial or occupational responsibilities; observing COVID-19 precautions, etc.)

CONFESSIONS DURING CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., issued the following guidance April 2, 2020, on seeking Confession and the Sacrament of Penance during the current health crisis:

During this time when our Churches and Chapels are closed, and when the risk of transmitting COVID-19 is of such grave concern, Confessions should only be requested of our priests in times of emergency or other extreme circumstances.

 I ask the faithful to reflect on the advice of Pope Francis and the Catechism’s teaching on seeking God’s forgiveness during these very difficult days:

“But many people today would tell me, ‘Father, where can I find a priest, a confessor, because I can’t leave the house? And I want to make peace with the Lord, I want him to embrace me, I want the Father’s embrace.’ Do what the Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 1452) says. It is very clear: If you cannot find a priest to confess to, speak directly with God, your father, and tell him the truth. Say, ‘Lord, I did this, this, this. Forgive me,’ and ask for pardon with all your heart.  Make an act of contrition and promise God, ‘I will go to confession afterward, but forgive me now.’ And immediately you will return to a state of grace with God (Homily, Mass, March 20, 2020).”

Along with Masses that are being live-streamed through Youtube, etc. ---

• Heart of the Nation: Type in your Zip code for information.

• Comcast: Monmouth & Ocean, Channel 190, Mass is televised at 9 a.m. Sundays.

• WPVI Channel 6 in Philadelphia has Mass every Sunday at 5:30 a.m.

• The National Catholic Broadcasting Council (NCBC): The Catholic Faith Network is available on Optimum channel 29/137, Verizon FIOS TV channel 296 and Charter Spectrum channel 162/471 throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area. CFN is also available on selected cable and satellite systems nationwide, along with vast on-demand library of original programming and a high quality 24.7 live stream.

• The Catholic Faith Network: (Once logged into the website, click on the Schedule tab and then the date). The Catholic Faith Network is available on Optimum channel 29/137, Verizon FIOS TV channel 296 and Charter Spectrum channel 162/471 throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area. CFN is also available on selected cable and satellite systems nationwide, along with a vast on-demand library of original programming and a high quality 24.7 live stream. 

• Catholic TV: Check the website for availability in your area.

• Eternal Word Television Network: daily Mass at noon

• Catholic TV Network: Mass every day from Sunday-Friday; Mass in Spanish every Sunday

On The Radio

• Domestic Church Media:Masses is broadcast Sunday-Friday at 8 a.m., noon and 7 p.m. On Saturdays, Mass is broadcast at 8 a.m. only. Tune into WFJS 1260AM and WFJS 89.3FM. DCM also livestreams on its website, DomesticChurchMedia.org, as well as on its free Mobile App, and on the Amazon and Google home speaker devices.

• Perfil Latino TV 

• Relevant radio: Daily Audio Mass 1 p.m. Livestream: Weekdays at 1 p.m.; Sundays at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.