The Holy Land: Indulgence Field Guide
The Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land holds specific indulgence grants for Latin-rite pilgrims at the major shrines. Confirm all grants with the Custodia di Terra Santa (custodia.org) before traveling.
To gain a plenary indulgence: sacramental confession (within approximately 20 days), holy communion (same day), prayer for the Pope's intentions, and complete detachment from sin.
Via Dolorosa
Jerusalem. The fourteen stations of Christ's Passion, from the Antonia Fortress site to Calvary.
Plenary indulgence attached to walking the full Way of the Cross devoutly, meditating on the Passion at each station. One of the most firmly established Holy Land grants.
- Walk all 14 stations from Station I (near Lion's Gate) to Station XIV inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
- Meditate on the Passion at each station — do not rush
- The Franciscans lead an official procession every Friday at approximately 3:00 PM from Station I — join it
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Jerusalem. Contains Calvary, the Stone of Anointing, and the Tomb of Christ.
Plenary indulgence attached to devout visitation of the major stations — Calvary, Stone of Anointing, and the Edicule — with prescribed prayers. Verify specific prescribed prayers with the Franciscan Custody before traveling.
- Upper level: kneel at the Greek Orthodox chapel of the Crucifixion; reach through the floor to touch the rock of Calvary
- Ground level: kneel and press your forehead to the Stone of Anointing near the entrance
- Queue for the Edicule; kneel at the stone slab of the Tomb; pray the Creed
- Attend Franciscan Mass in the Latin chapels (daily, morning hours; confirm times with the Custody)
Basilica of the Agony (Gethsemane)
Jerusalem/Mount of Olives. Built over the rock where Christ prayed His agony before the arrest.
Plenary indulgence attached to devout prayer at the Rock of the Agony. Verify specific prescribed prayer and conditions with the Franciscan Custody before traveling.
- Pray before the rock enclosed beneath the high altar
- Read Luke 22:39–46 here
Basilica of the Nativity / Grotto of the Nativity
Bethlehem. The cave beneath the main altar where Christ was born.
Plenary indulgence attached to veneration of the Star marking the site of the Nativity. Verify specific prescribed prayers and current conditions with the Franciscan Custody before traveling.
- Access the Grotto through St. Catherine's Church (the Franciscan church, directly adjacent)
- Kneel at the fourteen-pointed silver star; kiss it if you can reach it
- Attend Latin Mass at St. Catherine's Church; English confessions available from the Franciscan friars
Basilica of the Annunciation
Nazareth. Built over the Grotto where the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary.
Plenary indulgence attached to devout prayer in the Grotto of the Annunciation. Verify specific conditions with the Franciscan Custody before traveling.
- Pray the Angelus in the Grotto (lower level of the basilica)
- Attend Franciscan Mass
Jordan River — Baptism Site (Qasr al-Yahud)
Near Jericho. Traditional site of Christ's baptism by John.
Renewing baptismal promises here may carry an indulgence. Verify with the Franciscan Custody or the Apostolic Penitentiary before traveling.
- Renew baptismal promises at the water's edge