In favor of the sick, of travelers, of soldiers, of those in prison, and of all others legitimately prevented from complying with the conditions for gaining the Indulgence during the month above designated, We hereby extend the time to any period within the year 1865, which their Pastor or Spiritual Director may appoint.
And We also hereby authorize the Pastors of Churches outside the cities of Baltimore and Washington, to appoint any other month within the year than that above indicated, if, in their judgment, it would be for the spiritual benefit of their flock; provided, that for each such change, they have Our express approbation, that the appointed month do not interfere with the Retreat of the Clergy, which will open in Baltimore, at the Seminary of St. Sulpice, on the 16th of May, and that they do not select a time inconvenient to the people in the agricultural districts.
Those having care of souls will impress on their people the necessity of complying strictly with all the conditions for gaining the Indulgence; and they will also be careful to state that, while fasting for three days during Lent will suffice, the Paschal Communion, which is of strict obligation on all, will not fulfil the condition of the communion requisite for the Jubilee.
Pastors of the various congregations are requested so to arrange the particular time for the exercises in their respective Churches, as to be able to assist one another, so far as circumstances may permit. It is desirable, that these exercises, to be determined by each Pastor, should continue for at least one week in the larger congregations, and for three days in the smaller. A solemn mission will be opened in Our Cathedral on the second Sunday of Lent, and it will continue for two weeks, till the fourth Sunday inclusive.
This Pastoral Letter will be read in all the Churches on occasion of opening the Jubilee, or on the Sunday preceding, at the option of the Pastors.
And now. Venerable and Beloved Brethren, We commend Ourselves and this Archdiocese, to the government of
