Among the spiritual privileges that were granted to our Archconfraternity over the centuries, the indulgences granted by the Supreme Pontiffs certainly shine. These were special graces through which it was intended to honor one of the most eminent Sodalities of the city of Rome. Generally these privileges were granted in relation to particular events, but we would like to remember that a great pope like Gregory XIII, with Brief of April 22, 1578, wanted to decorate it with the most important spiritual awards.
However, with the entry into force of the new Manual of Indulgences (“Enchiridion indulgentiarum”) in 1967, all particular indulgences, even perpetual ones, granted to Confraternities, Religious Orders, sanctuaries, etc. fell into force. However, within two years it would have been possible to ask for confirmation, otherwise they would have definitively lapsed. This also happened to our various indulgences.
The Enchiridion, however, allowed a new request to be made, after the year 1969, to the Confraternities that historically had been holders of specific spiritual privileges. Having learned of these circumstances only in 2014, a very copious documentation was prepared to be presented to the Sacred Apostolic Penitentiary in order to obtain the granting of new indulgences in favor of the Sodality.
This therefore took place through the Decree prot. 507/15 / I of 1 September 2015 with which, in the name and by authority of the Holy Father, our request was accepted. The Decree is in Latin, so we have drawn up a sort of regesto that can allow all associates to take advantage of this precious instrument of grace.
First of all, the decree is valid for seven years with the right to ask for renewal for another seven years, even with modifications or additions. Nowadays, there is rarely the concession in perpetuity. Our decree is therefore valid from 1 September 2015 to 31 August 2022. This is therefore the content.
Plenary indulgence under the conditions of the rite (i.e. after sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, prayer for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff) granted to all members of the Archconfraternity of S. Maria dell'Orto sincerely repentant and animated by a spirit of charity.
Plenary indulgences can be purchased on the following occasions, once a day:

1 - Brotherhood life

• 1) Whenever votes of loyalty to the Articles of Association in force since 2005 are issued or renewed (even privately if seriously impeded);

• 2) The day of registration ("dressing") at the Archconfraternity;

• 3) In the celebrations proper to the Sodality:

  a) On 8 September, the Christmas of the BVM

• b) On the third Sunday of October, Titular Feast.

• c) On the second Sunday of May, in memory of the Coronation of the sacred icon of Maria SS. of the Garden operated by the Vatican Chapter in 1657.

2 - Other occasions for piety

• 1) Whenever a companion devoutly intervenes at the Holy Mass for another companion, piously deceased, on the very day of death or burial. However, the indulgence acquired is exclusively for the benefit of the deceased.

• 2) In articulo mortis, ie at the point of death or in real danger of life even if not imminent. To obtain the indulgence the dying person - as long as they are already in the grace of God - must invoke the name of Jesus and ask the priest for the appropriate apostolic blessing. The Priest recites the formula and blesses with a crucifix or with an image (or sign, symbol) proper to the Archconfraternity.

3 - Partial indulgences

Partial indulgences can also be acquired only once a day , when with a truly contrite heart one attends certain occasions. The partial measure is not predetermined but the greater the devotion and fervor with which one takes part in the prescribed events is greater:

• 1) Whenever a member publicly intervenes with the Archconfraternity, for a testimony of faith, at a religious solemnity or at a meeting (such as: procession, pious exercise, preaching of the Gospel, Eucharistic convention, meeting of the Archconfraternity) ;

• 2) Each time a companion will piously attend to a work of mercy (corporal or spiritual), or of penance or to one of the evangelical purposes listed in the Statute (see art. 2).