DECREE
On the Plenary Indulgences in the Diocese of Tallinn in 2025
On the occasion of the Jubilee Year
Based on the Bull of His Holiness Pope Francis Spes non confundit (9 May 2024), which declares 2025 a Holy Jubilee Year, and the Decrees of the Paenitentiaria Apostolica (13 May 2024), which stipulate the conditions for obtaining a plenary indulgence during the Jubilee Year, and based on Canons 87 §1 and 381 §1 of the Code of Canon Law,
— caring for the spiritual well-being of Catholics in Estonia (explanations on the concept of indulgences can be found in the Catholic Prayer Book, p. 59 et seq.).
— wishing to give those who, for various reasons, cannot make the pilgrimage to Rome, the opportunity to share in the graces of the Jubilee Year,
— emphasizing our common religious journey and confession on the soil of our homeland,
I decide the following:
In addition to the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence through the pilgrimage to Rome:
1
All members of the Catholic Church who, in a spirit of contrition and prayer, make a pilgrimage to one of the following churches, may, upon fulfilling the usual conditions (receiving the sacrament of Holy Communion, attending Holy Communion, praying for the intentions of the Holy Father and completely renouncing every sin, even venial), receive a plenary indulgence granted by the apostolic authority of the Holy See:
– Tallinn Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul
– Tartu Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
2
A plenary indulgence may also be obtained for participating in the following pilgrimages:
– Marian Pilgrimage to the Marian Chapel in Viru-Nigula – 23 August 2025
– Tallinn pilgrimages to the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Vastseliina, organized with the permission of the diocese.
The aforementioned pilgrimages must include:
– participation in Holy Mass with sermon
– opportunity for the sacrament of confession
– common prayer (e.g. Rosary, Stations of the Cross, litany or adoration) and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father
– religious meditation on the themes of hope, conversion and mercy
3
This decree enters into force from the moment of its publication and is valid until December 31, 2025.
B) In the case of the beatification of Archbishop Eduard Profittlich
I recall the following:
According to Enchiridion Indulgentiarum No. 7, a plenary indulgence is granted to all members of the Church who devoutly participate in the liturgical rites of the beatification of Archbishop Eduard Profittlich on September 6, 2025.
Conditions for receiving a plenary indulgence:
– Participation in the Mass of the Annunciation with piety
– Confession (within about 8 days before or after participation)
– Attendance at Holy Communion on the same day
– Prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father (for example, “Our Father” and “Hail Mary”)
– Interior renunciation of every sin, even the most venial one
✠ Philippe Jourdan
Bishop of Tallinn
In Tallinn, 23.06.2025
How to get an indulgence on a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Tallinn?
The year is a Holy Jubilee Year for the entire Catholic Church. The Bishop of Tallinn has decreed that a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Tallinn will provide an opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence.
But what does this mean for those who already regularly attend Mass at the cathedral?
For the indulgence to be truly the fruit of the Jubilee Year pilgrimage, participation must be more than just a regular daily or Sunday habit.
Conditions for receiving a plenary indulgence on a pilgrimage to the cathedral:
A conscious intention to come to the cathedral as a pilgrim, wishing to partake of the graces of the Jubilee Year.
→ It is recommended to pray on the way or to dedicate a special time of prayer for that day.
Participation in Holy Mass or prayer in the cathedral (e.g. Rosary, Stations of the Cross, Litany, Adoration or Prayer before the Holy Eucharistic Gifts).
Receiving the Sacrament of Penance (at least 8 days before or after the pilgrimage).
Attending Holy Communion on the same day as the pilgrimage.
Praying the prayer intentions of the Holy Father (e.g. “Our Father” and “Hail Mary”).
Complete renunciation of all sin – even the venial. This is an inner decision to live in harmony with God’s grace.
Important to know:
Going to the cathedral every day or every Sunday does not automatically mean that you will receive an indulgence every time. To do this, you must have at least one conscious “pilgrimage day”, when you take a step deeper than your usual religious thought and prayer.
Recommendation:
Choose a specific day to dedicate to God as a pilgrim. Make a journey, pray, receive the sacraments, recite prayers and reflect on your life. This will be a special moment through which the graces of the Jubilee Year can touch your heart and deepen your communion with God.