Portiuncula Indulgence

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The Pardon of Assisi – The Porziuncola Indulgence—Celebrated on August 2

+ 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.

+ Here he founded the Order in 1209.

+ 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

Excellent reference on this topic:

Also, if you are able to read Spanish, the link below has a very interesting article about the Porziuncola.

For discussion and reflection

+ Read Matthew 10: 9-15. This is the gospel that Francis heard read at the Porziuncola. Reflect on its meaning to all Franciscans and to us as Secular Franciscans.

+ On August 1-2, visit a Franciscan or other church and follow the conditions to receive the indulgence.

+ While you are there, spend time with the Blessed Sacrament. Consider your vocation and what God is asking of you.