Saving Souls in November
Saving Souls in November: How the Cemetery Indulgences Work (Nov 1–8)
From November 1–8, the Church grants a plenary indulgence each day, applicable only to souls in purgatory, to the faithful who devoutly visit a cemetery and pray— even only mentally— for the departed. On All Souls’ Day (Nov 2) there is also a plenary indulgence for those who visit a church or oratory and recite an Our Father and the Creed (or on the Sunday before/after, or on All Saints, as determined by the local ordinary).
The “usual conditions” (for a plenary indulgence)
To obtain the indulgence (one per day, Nov 1–8), do the work above and:
1. Be in a state of grace at least when finishing the indulgenced work.
2. Have complete detachment from all sin, even venial.
3. Sacramental Confession.
4. Receive Holy Communion.
5. Pray for the intentions of the Pope.
These are the standard norms explained in reliable summaries. If full detachment is lacking, the indulgence becomes partial. Many dioceses and guides note these can ordinarily be fulfilled within about 20 days before or after the indulgenced work when necessary.
How many can I gain?
Up to eight plenary indulgences during Nov 1–8—one per day—each applied to a single departed soul.
Why the cemetery—and why November?
November is dedicated to praying for the dead. The cemetery visit connects our prayer with a concrete act of remembrance and hope in the resurrection, while All Souls’ Day focuses the Church’s intercession for those being purified. The indulgences during this week are a privileged way to live the Communion of Saints and perform a spiritual work of mercy.
Practical checklist (quick guide)
Pick your day(s): Nov 1–8 (one indulgence per day).
Go to a cemetery and pray for the dead (words or silent prayer suffice).
Confess (ordinarily within ~20 days of the visit), receive Communion, and pray for the Pope’s intentions—preferably the same day if you can.
Ask God for detachment from all sin and offer the indulgence for a specific departed soul (or entrust it to God for a soul most in need). If full detachment is missing, God still grants a partial indulgence.
Common questions
Can I gain more than one indulgence per day?
No. Only one plenary indulgence per day; additional acts may obtain partial indulgences.
Do the days have to be consecutive?
No. Any day Nov 1–8 qualifies; they don’t need to be in a row. (During 2020/2021 the Holy See allowed any day of the month as an exception.)
Is an actual vocal prayer required in the cemetery?
No; praying “even only mentally” fulfills the work.
What about visiting a church?
On Nov 2 (or the nearby day permitted by your bishop), visit a church or oratory and pray the Our Father and Creed for a separate plenary indulgence for the departed.
