Vatican: Pope Francis has granted the possibility of receiving a plenary indulgence for all the faithful taking part in the Jubilee marking the 800th anniversary of the Order of Preachers, better known as the Dominican Order. This includes those participating in celebrations both internationally and in each Dominican province.
The terms and conditions to receive the indulgence are described in the document sent by the Apostolic Penitentiary. Pope Francis has also encouraged all the priests of the Dominican Order to make themselves available to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance in all Jubilee places and frequently administer the Holy Communion to the infirm.
The Order began their year-long Jubilee celebration with a Mass in Rome’s Santa Sabina Church, located on the Aventine Hill. The church serves as the motherhouse of the Dominicans, reported Vatican Radio.
On Sunday, Pope Francis greeted the Dominicans who had gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Angelus address.
“I greet the representatives of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) who, yesterday, commenced the eight centenary of their foundation, that the Lord may bless them abundantly on this occasion. And many thanks for all you do in and for the Church.”
St. Dominic was born in 1170 in Caleruega, Spain. He and his companions adopted their rule of life in Toulouse in 1215. The Dominican family currently includes Friars, Contemplative Nuns, Religious Sisters, and associated laity.