If you plan on visiting a church Nativity scene this year, you might want to read up on the plenary indulgence available to people who pray in front of one in a Franciscan church.
This year is the 800th anniversary of the Nativity scene, begun by St. Francis of Assisi. (Read article on page 16.) To mark the occasion, the Vatican’s Apostolic Penitentiary approved that the faithful can obtain a plenary indulgence by praying before a Nativity scene at a church entrusted to the care of Franciscans. The usual conditions for indulgence, including going to confession and receiving Communion, also apply.
Catholics may receive the plenary indulgence from Dec. 8, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, through Feb. 2, 2024, the feast of the Presentation in the Temple of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the Arlington diocese, Franciscan churches include St. Joseph in Herndon and St. Francis of Assisi in Triangle. Both parishes are staffed by Franciscans — the Herndon parish by Third Order Regular and the Triangle parish by the Franciscans, Order of Friars Minor.
Another nearby option is across the river in Washington, at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America.
The Oct. 4 feast of St. Francis of Assisi marked the 800th anniversary of the approval of the Rule of St. Francis (1223) as well as the origin of the Nativity scene in Greccio, Italy. Catholics gathered at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, to honor the Italian saint.
The Conference of the Franciscan Family asked Pope Francis to approve a plenary indulgence. The request was granted.
