The Raccolta
The Raccolta is a Pre-Vatican II collection of prayers and devotions with specific Indulgences assigned.
The Raccolta was officially replaced in 1968 with the Enchiridion Indulgentiarum known in English as the Handbook of Indulgences. Prominent changes that resulted included:
1. The indulgences listed with the prayers in the Raccolta are no longer in effect unless also listed in the updated Handbook of Indulgences.
2. Specific canonical time periods (days, etc.) are no longer attached to any partial indulgence ion the new Handbook.
3. The Handbook offers indulgences for 'pious invocations'** which are simple and unlimited in number throughout the day.
4. The Raccolta's value as a prayer book remains unmatched despite the removal of indulgences from many prayers and works.
**From the Handbook's Appendix #1: An invocation, as far as indulgences are concerned, is no longer considered a work, distinct and complete in itself, but as complementing an action, by which the faithful raise their heart and mind with humble confidence to God in performing their duties or bearing the trials of life. An example would be pausing
during work or play and raising your mind to God whilc saying "Jesus, Mary, Joseph").
It is very important to obtain an official, up-to-date copy of the Handbook of Indulgences (see our reference section). However, we have following resources for reference available for assisting you to
obtain indulgences for the Holy Souls:
1. Online Copy (off-site)
2. Downloadable copy of #1 for ease of searching/use.
3. Many indulgenced prayers are found at this page.
4. See the resources page for information on obtaining prayer books.
