In order to promote the spiritual renewal of the faithful and increase the life of grace, the Holy See has granted a plenary indulgence from 8 December 2023, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to 2 February 2024, Feast of the Presentation in the Temple of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which may be obtained by visiting the churches run by Franciscan families and stopping in prayer in front of the Nativity scenes set up there.  The Churches participating are run by Franciscan communities in the Diocese of Cleveland:

Holy Spirit Parish 4341 E. 131st St., Garfield Hts.

St. Peter Parish 1533 E. 17th St., Cleveland

Transfiguration Parish 12608 Madison,  Lakewood

St. Paul Shrine 4120 Euclid Ave., Cleveland

St. Agnes/Our Lady of Fatima Parish 6800 Lexington Ave.  Cleveland

Poor Clare Colettines, 3501 Rocky River Dr. Cleve.

In addition to the prayer before the Nativity scene, to receive a plenary indulgence, the faithful must have an interior disposition of detachment from all sin, even venial; sacramentally confess their sins; receive Holy Communion; and pray for the intentions of the Pope. It is appropriate, but not necessary, that the sacramental Confession and especially Holy Communion and the prayer for the Pope’s intentions take place on the same day as the prayer before the Nativity scene; but it is sufficient that these sacred rites and prayers be carried out within several days (about 20) before or after. Prayer for the Pope’s intentions is left to the choice of the faithful, but an “Our Father” and a “Hail Mary” are suggested. Since not all of the above churches may have their Nativity scenes in place during Advent, those choosing to seek the plenary indulgence by visiting any of the Franciscan churches should check the community’s website or contact the community to learn when the church will be open to visitors for prayer before their Nativity scene.