eternal punishment, neither is nor can be capable of receiving the remission of temporal punishment. It is proper, therefore, in order to do well, to go to confession every time that one begins the good works enjoined for gaining an indulgence. But, if this be not done, it is necessary that at least the last of the good works enjoined should be performed in the state of grace. It should be observed here that, in granting partial indulgences, sacramental confession is not usually prescribed, but the clause, “with at least contrite heart,” is generally employed; which means that, if any one in the state of mortal sin wishes to gain the indulgence in question, he must at least make an act of true contrition, with a firm purpose of going to confession. So the Sacred Congregation of Indulgences decided Dec. 17, 1870.
In the second place, it is necessary to have at least a general intention of gaining the indulgences. Hence, it would be very advisable to renew every morning the intention of gaining each and every one of the indulgences that can be gained during the day. And since the indulgences contained in this collection, or Raccolta, can all be applied to the souls in purgatory, it would be well to make a second intention to apply the indulgences gained for the relief of these holy souls. This application may be made in favour of one or more souls, particularly mentioned, or, generally, in favor of all the souls in purgatory.
Since the Church, in opening the treasure of
