Greccio Christmas Indulgence

To the Brothers and Sisters of the Franciscan Family,

A few weeks ago, it was announced to you all that the Holy Father wanted to grant us on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the Christmas in Greccio the gift of an indulgence. We were careful to pass it on immediately so that in our lives and ministries we could consider it and make effective use of it for ourselves and for the faithful who attend our churches.

More recently, on November 14, 2023, the official Decree came from the Apostolic Penitentiary (English translation attached), the contents of which had already been anticipated in its essential features and communicated to you in many languages. Only two aspects are highlighted here: 

• It is specified that it is possible to receive the gift of Indulgence by visiting as pilgrims any Franciscan church around the world.

• The usual conditions are to be included (Sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff); it is also specified that it is necessary to devoutly participate in the jubilee rites, or at least to pause before the creche prepared there, spending an appropriate span of time in pious meditation, concluding with the Our Father ,the Profession of Faith and invocations to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph as well as St. Francis of Assisi.

An English translation of the Italian text of the Decree is attached in the margin: it is not an official translation, but it can serve as a simple aid if someone prefers to have a modern language reference.

I take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful Advent! Fraternally,

Decree