Indulgenced Acts for the Faithful Departed

There are many indulgences, applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory, that can be obtained during the month of November. From the fourth edition of the Enchiridion of Indulgences, 1999:

1. A plenary indulgence, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, is granted to the faithful who,
   • on any and each day in November (2021), devoutly visit a cemetery and pray, if only mentally, for the departed;
   • on All Souls’ Day (or, according to the judgment of the ordinary, on the Sunday preceding or following it, or on the solemnity of All Saints), devoutly visit a church or an oratory and recite an Our Father and the Creed.
2. A partial indulgence, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, is granted to the faithful who,
   • devoutly visit a cemetery and at least mentally pray for the dead;
   • devoutly recite lauds or vespers from the Office of the Dead or the prayer Requiem aeternam (Eternal rest).

Incorporating Indulgences Acts Through November and the Year

A partial indulgence can be obtained by devoutly visiting a cemetery and praying for the departed, even if the prayer is only mental. There are a few cemeteries that have car paths, allowing one to “visit” even if you stay in the car.

The “Eternal Rest” prayer gains a partial indulgence and can be prayed all year. Passing a cemetery and praying the “Eternal Rest” can help out the souls in need.

Requiem aeternam dona ei (eis), Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei (eis).
Requiescat (-ant) in pace Amen.

Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

NOTE: The Vatican’s Apostolic Penitentiary published a decree on Thursday providing for the possibility of obtaining plenary indulgences in favour of the faithful departed throughout the entire month of November.