The archdiocesan liturgical commission said that Pope Benedict XVI has granted a plenary indulgence to mark the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady at Lourdes.

For the indulgence to be granted, the faithful have to take part in Marian prayer meetings or offer prayers or meditation ending with the recital of the Our Father prayer, the Apostles’ Creed or a prayer to Our Lady.

The elderly, sick or anyone else who, for a valid reason cannot leave home may obtain this plenary indulgence if they intend to observe these conditions on the first occasion available to them and spiritually join in a visit to a church, oratory or grotto, offering their sickness and hardship to God through Our Lady.