Many people ask about how to obtain the indulgences for the souls of the departed in November, so here are the norms, as found in the Liturgical Calendar for Ireland 2025, page 163:
1. From twelve o’clock noon on 1 November until midnight on 2 November, all who have confessed, received Holy Communion and prayed for the Pope’s intentions (one Our Father and Hail Mary, or any other prayer of one’s choice) can gain one plenary indulgence by visiting a church or oratory, and there reciting one our Father and the Apostle’s Creed.
This indulgence is applicable only to the souls of the departed.
Confession may be made at any time within the week preceding or the week following 1 November.
Holy Communion may be received on any day from 1 November to 8 November.
2. The faithful who visit a cemetery and pray for the dead may gain a plenary indulgence applicable only to the Holy Souls on the usual conditions once per day from 1 to 8 November. The conditions above apply also for this.
The Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
he descended into hell;
on the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen.
If you would like to read an explanation of indulgences in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, click on the link here.
You are welcome to join the Chaplaincy at the University of Galway for a special evening celebrating the life of Saint Carlo Acutis, the young Saint who used his gifts and faith to inspire people around the world. The gathering will be on Wednesday, 29th October, 6.00pm to 7.30pm in the Chapel of St Columbanus, University of Galway. Bishop Michael Duignan will lead reflection and prayer about this remarkable young Saint and how his example can inspire our own pilgrim journey of faith. The evening will be followed by pizza and conversation. All are very welcome. Please register to attend using this link: 
