On all days from Nov. 1 through Nov. 8 inclusive, a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Poor Souls, is granted to those who visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the departed.
On the same days, partial indulgences, which can be offered for the Pour Souls, are granted to those who recite Lauds or Vespers of the Office of the Dead, and to those who recite the prayer: “Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace. / Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.”
On All Souls’ Day, Nov. 2, a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Poor Souls, is granted to those who visit any parish church or public oratory and there recite one Our Father and one Apostles’ Creed.
In order to gain a plenary indulgence one must: (1) be in a state of Sanctifying Grace, (2) complete the indulgenced work, (3) have no attachment to sin, not even venial sin, (4) received Sacramental Confession, (5) have received Eucharistic Communion, (6) pray for the Pope’s Intentions (one Our Father and one Hail Mary satisfy this requirement). Points 4, 5, and 6 should appropriately be done on the same day as the indulgenced work, but may be done up to about 20 days before or after. A separate Communion and prayer for the Holy Father’s intentions are required for each plenary indulgence. Normally, only one plenary indulgence can be obtained each day.
