On Fridays during Lent, there is a beautiful way to obtain a plenary indulgence: reciting the Prayer Before a Crucifix.
The Prayer Before a Crucifix to Jesus Christ Crucified (En ego, O bone et dulcissime Iesu):
Behold, O kind and most sweet Jesus, I cast myself upon my knees in thy sight, and with the most fervent desire of my soul, I pray and beseech thee that thou wouldst impress upon my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity, with true contrition for my sins and a firm purpose of amendment; while with deep affection and grief of soul I ponder within myself and mentally contemplate thy five wounds, having before my eyes the words which David the prophet put on thy lips concerning thee: “My hands and my feet they have pierced, they have numbered all my bones.”
In addition to this prayer, the faithful must meet three usual conditions to obtain the plenary indulgence.
What are the three usual conditions of a plenary indulgence?
1) Go to the Sacrament of Confession
2) Receive Communion in a state of grace
3) Pray for the Pope’s intentions (The Church suggests one Our Father and one Hail Mary.)
The individual must also be completely detached from sin to obtain a plenary indulgence. If he or she is not detached, the indulgence becomes partial.
