What exactly does a plenary indulgence require?
Current norm What the Church holds
Five things (N20): the exclusion of all attachment to sin, even venial sin; the indulgenced work; sacramental confession; Holy Communion; and prayer for the Holy Father’s intention (one Our Father and one Hail Mary suffice). The three conditions can be fulfilled “several days” (about 20) before or after the work. One confession covers several plenary indulgences, but Communion and the prayer for the Pope are needed for each one. Only one plenary indulgence can be gained a day, except at the hour of death. If anything is lacking, the indulgence is partial.
Private revelation What the saints and mystics report
St Catherine of Genoa says that a plenary indulgence is hard to gain, a reminder that detachment from all sin is a real condition. Emmerich insists that indulgences require the sacraments.
Accounts that bear on this