Aug 2 - The Feast of the Porziuncula
Fred Schaeffer, OFS (partly quoted from existing texts)
Below Assisi, that is at the base of the mountain, an oratory had been built in the first Christian centuries. This oratory with a little bit of land was given to St. Benedict in the 6th century. The name Porziuncola, that is, Little Portion, is supposed to have been derived from the transfer of this small piece of property. The little church was called St. Mary of the Angels, and the inhabitants of Assisi went there frequently to pray. One of the first things done by St. Francis of Assisi was to restore this sanctuary because it was in ruins. It became the cradle of the Order, recognized by the entire Franciscan family.
One night St. Francis went to the chapel to pray. He saw our Lord and His holy Mother surrounded by a great host of angels. He was filled with reverence, so he prostrated himself upon the ground and adored the Divine Majesty. Then the Lord spoke to him with great tenderness. After some reflection, Francis asked Him for the grace of a full pardon for all who, being contrite and having confessed their sins, would visit this little sanctuary. Mary cast herself upon her knees before her Divine Son, and repeated the petition of her faithful servant. (In part from: “The Franciscan Book of Saints”, edited by Marion Habig, ofm. © 1959 Franciscan Herald Press)
English text from: Formation Friday July 29, 2022
The Pardon of Assisi – The Porziuncola Indulgence—Celebrated on August 2
by Diane Mendito, OFS (currently, National Vice-Minister, Secular Franciscan Order)
- The sixteenth century Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels envelops the tiny chapel known as the Porziuncola.
- This chapel was one of the churches restored by St. Francis.
- This is the spot where, while listening to the Gospel, Francis understood what he was called by God to do.
- St. Clare received her religious habit from the hands of Francis here in 1211.
- In 1216 as Francis prayed that everyone could be brought to heaven, he obtained from Jesus in a vision the PARDON OF ASSISI—a plenary indulgence, which was later ratified by Pope Honorius III.
- This is where the friars’ early general chapters were held—the Chapter of Mats of 1221 was attended by 5,000 friars.
- Here, on October 3, 1226, St. Francis welcomed Sister Death lying naked on the ground just outside the chapel.
“See to it, my sons, that you never abandon this place. If you are driven out from one side, go back in at the other. For this place is truly holy and is the dwelling place of God. Here, when we were but a few, the Most High gave us increase; here he enlightened the hearts of his poor ones by the light of his wisdom; here he set our wills on afire with the flame of his love. Here he who prays with a devout heart will obtain what he prays for and he who offends will be punished more severely. Wherefore, my sons, consider this dwelling place of God to be worthy of all honour, and with all your, with voice of joy, and praise, give glory to the Lord in this place.” (Words of the dying St. Francis, Celano 1, n. 106)
The Conditions for Receiving the Pardon
- Each year from vespers on August 1 through August 2 (Feast of Our Lady of the Angels) you should visit either a Franciscan church or your own church. (At first the indulgence was only given for the Porziuncola, but it has been widened over the years.)
- You may obtain the indulgence any day of the year upon visiting the Porziuncola itself.
CONDITIONS TO OBTAIN THE PARDON OF ASSISI
Plenary Indulgence–(for oneself or for a departed soul)
Sacramental Confession to be in God’s sanctifying grace *(to be received within eight days before or after initiate “appeal” for the Plenary Indulgence);
*Participation in the Holy Mass with reception of the Holy Eucharist.
Visit to a Catholic Church, followed by the Profession of FAITH (Nicene Creed or Apostles Creed),
Recite the OUR FATHER, in order to reaffirm and give witness to one’s Christian dignity, as a child of God, that one received in Baptism;
Pray for the Pope’s intentions: as Vicar of Christ, Shepherd of the Universal Church, and visible sign of unity among the Faithful
See OFS-USA website: https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2022/07/the-pardon-of-assisi-the-porziuncola-indulgence-august-2/
or the OFM (USA) website https://friars.us/article/2024/08/02/what-is-the-feast-of-the-portiuncula