Augustinian friar Santos Gomez Marañon, who served as bishop of Cebu from 1829 to 1840, granted the Magellan’s Cross plenary indulgence to those who pray before it every Feast of the Triumph of the Cross on September 14.
The indulgence is gained by praying the Creed.
For those unfamiliar with Catholic teachings, an indulgence is a way to reduce the punishment for sins. It can be attained by performing a good deed or reciting a prayer or visiting a place.
The document issued by Bishop Marañon to grant the indulgence can be found framed inside the library of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño.
Above the document, which is written in Spanish, is a framed English translation. It says:
The most excellent, illustrious and reverend Lord
Friar Santos Gomez Marañon,
of the Order of Our Father St. Augustine, the most distinguished Bishop of this Diocese of Cebu, and Patron of this Chapel of the Holy Cross and to which he made at his own expense, granted 40 days of indulgence to those who would pray a Creed before the Holy Cross in which it is enclosed the first cross which the first conquerors planted; equally the said Lord grants the one who can celebrate the sung mass on this altar of the Holy Cross for ten years granting also in the feast day of the Triumph of the Holy Cross and in other days the Prior of this convent to whom he may designate as it consists longer in the decree of the aforementioned Lord Bishop on the 12th day of January in the year of our Lord 1835.
Fray Santos Gomez Marañon, OSA
Bishop of Cebu
1829-1840
