ROME, 20 JULY 2010 (ZENIT) Answered by Legionary of Christ
Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina
Apostolorum university. Q: What exactly is an indult? Who issues
them? How long are they valid? How can one inform oneself of
their content (in short, are they published somewhere)? I am
asking because I have been told that more than a decade ago,
based on an inquiry made by an ordinary, the Vatican issued an
indult which allowed laity to preach at Newman Centers in the
Province of New York. This would seem to contradict my
understanding of comments contained in your publication (March
11, 2008) when you commented on the appropriateness of
laypersons preaching at Good Friday services. Any clarification
you could provide would be dearly appreciated. — J.L., Syracuse,
New York A: An indult is, in short, an administrative act by a
legislator. According to the Canon Law Society of America's
Commentary on the Code of Canon Law, it: "Designates a special
favor given for a determinate period of time;