WILLIAMSBURG — To remind people of the true meaning of Christmas, St. Francis of Assisi made a decision 800 years ago that drastically revitalized Catholic tradition. In 1223, he gathered faithful to the town of Greccio, Italy, and staged, with animals, the first Nativity scene, reenacting the birth of Jesus Christ. 

Now, in recognition of the anniversary of that milestone, at the approval of the Rule of St. Francis, the Vatican has declared that any Catholic can receive a plenary indulgence by praying before a Nativity scene in a Franciscan church. 

This decision, which took effect on Dec. 8, allows Catholics to receive a plenary indulgence through Feb. 2, 2024, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord Jesus.

In the Diocese of Brooklyn, there are three Franciscan churches where the faithful can receive this cleansing blessing: Most Holy Trinity in Williamsburg, Our Lady of Peace in Park Slope, and St. Michael-St.Malachy in East New York. 

“Christmas can be a trying time,” said Friar Richard Riccioli, OFM Conv, pastor at Most Holy Trinity for the past 16 months. “It can sort of unravel some of the threads that hold us together. People can be stressed and vulnerable. [This is] to refocus on what is important, to refocus on the central message of Christmas.”

A plenary indulgence is a grace that cleanses a person of all temporal punishment, or what Friar Riccioli called “residual effects of sin despite having been forgiven.” The conditions to receive a plenary indulgence are:  within about 20 days before or after, celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation and receive the Eucharist. A participant must also detach themselves completely from sin, even venial sin, and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.

“There’s a spiritual hangover that stays with you that needs to be purged …  it’s not magic. It’s basically cleansing all the toxins of your sins out of your system,” Friar Riccioli said. 

An indulgence can be applied either to oneself or the souls of the deceased. It is appropriate for Communion and prayer to take place on the same day a person receives the plenary indulgence. 

The Conference of the Franciscan Family asked Pope Francis for the approval of the plenary indulgence as part of the celebration of the Franciscan centenary. The Apostolic Penitentiary, part of the Holy See, “favorably welcomed the request,” the conference said in a statement.

“We hope that it will be an opportunity for communion and spiritual renewal for every brother and sister in the entire Franciscan family,” the statement continued.

Those who are sick, homebound, or have accessibility issues are still able to receive this plenary indulgence. Even if they are sick or cannot physically visit a church, they can receive the blessing by offering their sufferings up to the Lord and through a pious act. 

Typically, Most Holy Trinity parish does not set up their crèche until the final week of Advent. It sits behind the altar inside the church, with the trees illuminated with LED lights.

This year, the parish set up the scene early for the 800th anniversary, but it will be without the Christ Child until after Advent is over.

To be able to receive a plenary indulgence by praying before a Nativity scene is particularly notable to Friar Riccioli because of his Franciscan connection. 

It is the sight of the birth of Christ as a vulnerable human that reminds people why Christmas is celebrated, he said, and to be able to receive this additional blessing this holiday season makes the scene inside the church that much more meaningful. 

He encourages every Catholic to receive a plenary indulgence at one of the three Franciscan churches in the diocese for one simple reason: “They are worth it.”