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Devotion, Forty Hours'

1910 New Catholic Dictionary

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Consists in a solemn exposition of the Blessed Sacrament during 40 hours, continual according to the "Instructiones Clementinæ" (Clementine Instructions), in honor of the 40 hours during which the Body of Our Lord is considered to have rested in the tomb. In countries where the nocturnal exposition is not feasible the exposition is held on three consecutive days. The indulgences of the devotion were at first limited to the exact ritual observance of the devotions, but by decree of Pius X, in 1914, the indulgences may all be gained even when the devotion is interrupted as is the custom in the United States. Introduced by Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria in Milan and Vicenza, 1527, it was spread to many places in Italy by the Capuchin, Joseph of Fermo, and was introduced into Rome and Germany by Jesuits under Saint Ignatius. The devotions were approved by Pope Paul III in 1539, though some say Clement VII in 1534. The Clementine Instructions, the right form for this devotion, were given out at Rome in 1705 by Pope Clement IX. At first the instructions were only for Rome itself, but at a later period were extended to the entire world. The introduction into America is disputed. The first to hold these devotions with any degree of regularity was Bishop John Nepomucene Neumann of Philadelphia. In 1857 Archbishop Patrick F. Kenrick obtained from Pius IX the modifications which are in use in the United States. A plenary indulgence is granted to all persons who, being truly contrite and having received the Sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist, visit a church in which the exposition is held on one of the three days and pray there for the intentions of the Holy Father. A partial indulgence of 10 years and 10 times 40 days may be gained for each visit, provided a short time be spent in prayer at each of these visits. All these indulgences are applicable to the souls in Purgatory. See also:

• Goffine's Devout Instructions