The Apostolic Penitentiary in Rome by mandate of Pope Benedict XVI issued a decree for the granting of plenary indulgences to all faithful in Bacolod Diocese who will piously join in the Jubilee celebration.

The decree, signed by James Francis Cardinal Stafford and Bishop Gianfranco Girotte of the Apostolic Penitentiary, grants that indulgences rightfully met under the customary condition of sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer for intentions of the Pope, can be attained if the repentant Christian joins pilgrimages to the San Sebastian Cathedral, participate in the liturgical celebration, and other pious exercises.

Read by Diocesan Chancellor Fr. Brethen Rye Gamala during the opening of the Jubilee Door, Saturday at the Cathedral, the decree stated that a Christian faithful can obtain partial indulgences even many times in a day if they shall engage in merciful works and acts of penance and evangelization, offered prayers and visited the Cathedral for holy meditation.

The decree for plenary indulgence was granted by the Apostolic Penitentiary in response to the petition sent by Bishop Vicente Navarra in relation to the 75 th Jubilee Celebration of the diocese.

As defined by the Code of Canon Law and in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, an indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed, gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church.

Papal benediction and plenary indulgence were also given to those who participated in the rites and procession during the offering of the Cathedral as the pilgrimage site and opening of the Jubilee Door, the decree from the Apostolic Penitentiary stated.

During the symbolic rites, Bishop Navarra enjoined the Christian faithful to call on God to restore strained relationships and to open themselves to one another to reach the fullness of life.

Meanwhile, in his homily during the mass after the opening of the Cathedral door, Vicar General Msgr. Victorino Rivas said that reconciliation and cooperation should be given emphasis during the Jubilee celebration.

He said that the province of Negros Occidental can move forward and attain growth and progress if the people and leaders in the government set a common goal and realize this through a collective and united effort.*NAB

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