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A partial indulgence is granted to the Christian faithful who devoutly sign themselves with the cross while saying the customary formula: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Why on earth don't I see Catholics signing themselves and reciting this "customary formula" repeatedly, non-stop ("devoutly", of course)? At about 3 seconds per repetition, a 30 minute bus ride to work should be good for around 600 reps. Think of all the plenary indulgences to be had! The more the better, right?

Why on earth don't I see Catholics signing themselves and reciting this "customary formula" repeatedly, non-stop ("devoutly", of course)? At about 3 seconds per repetition, a 30 minute bus ride to work should be good for around 600 reps. Think of all the plenary indulgences to be had! The more the better, right?

They may actually get into heaven before they even die :)

Why on earth don't I see Catholics signing themselves and reciting this "customary formula" repeatedly, non-stop

Believe it or not, some do. Blesed are those who have the freedom to do so, and thank God for the monks and nuns. Most of us, however, have families to feed, and no, praying instead of doing the necessary work is not a Catholic virtue.

[post 39] Say there's a (hypothetical) Catholic that trusts in Christ's work through the Church to remit the eternal punishment for his sins. However, his attitude regarding temporal punishment is completely different. Far from taking advantage of indulgences to remit this punishment, he avoids them. [...] Anything wrong with this attitude? Would it be sinful?

It would be stupid, I think. The objective is to go to heaven, and the only way to get to heaven is to become a saint. If that is your desire, God will provide the way, as you live or at death. Prayers of others, when answered, are also divine will; it is stupid and serves no purpose to reject it.