Who said Catholics don’t read the Bible? Did you know that the Church grants an indulgence to those devoutly read Sacred Scripture. (By the way, an indulgence is the remission of temporal punishment for a sin already forgiven by God. The distinction between guilt and the debt of punishment is explained here: The Mechanics of Sin and Redemption in Catholic Theology)
The Church grants a plenary indulgence to those who read the Bible for 30 minutes:
50. Reading of Sacred Scripture (Sacrae Scripturae lectio)
A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful, who with the veneration due the divine word make a spiritual reading from Sacred Scripture.A plenary indulgence is granted, if this reading is continued for at least one half an hour.
Obtaining a plenary indulgence also has the following conditions (see Norms which are summarized below):
* Sacramental confession. A single sacramental confession suffices for gaining several plenary indulgences; but Communion must be received and prayer for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff must be recited for the gaining of each plenary indulgence.
* Eucharistic Communion.
* Prayer for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff. The condition of praying for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff is fully satisfied by reciting one Our Father and one Hail Mary; nevertheless, each one is free to recite any other prayer according to his piety and devotion.
* It is further required that all attachment to sin, even venial sin, be absent. If the latter disposition is in any way less than perfect or if the prescribed three conditions are not fulfilled, the indulgence will be partial only, saving the provisions given in Norms 34 and 35.
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