The Pardon of Assisi
Peaking through the fog sits Santa Maria de Angeles in the valley below Assisi, Italy. The tiny Portiuncula ("little portion") lives inside; one of the many Franciscan churches where you may receive the Pardon of Assisi.
The Pardon of Assisi
August 1 & 2
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General Minister Michael Perry outside the Portiuncula
The Pardon of Assisi (or Portiuncula Indulgence) is the possibility to receive a plenary indulgence—elimination of temporal punishment due to sin-- at the chapel during the first two days of August.
In St. Francis’ day, people could gain a plenary indulgence by visiting one of three churches: Holy Sepulcher (Jerusalem), St. Peter’s (Rome) or Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Not everyone could afford or undertake such travel, so Francis asked that the Portiuncula be designated such a place. Pope Honorius III agreed in 1216 but restricted this to the anniversary of the chapel’s dedication (August 2).
The Feast of the Pardon of Assisi has since been celebrated between Vespers on August 1 and sundown on August 2. For many centuries, the indulgence could only be received by visiting St Mary of the Angels. However, it is now possible to receive the indulgence at all Franciscan churches and also at all the parish churches in Assisi when meeting the conditions of Communion, Confession and praying for the Pope's intentions.
The Portiuncula is one of the first churches that St. Francis rebuilt after hearing God's voice from the San Damiano cross say, "Francis, Francis, go and repair My house which, as you can see, is falling into ruins". It is also where he received St. Clare and where he died.
This is a perfect time to remember God’s great desire to forgive sinners. Receive your Pardon of Assisi in any of our Franciscan churches.
Click here for a list of parishes in our province.
Fr. Jeff Scheeler celebrates Mass inside the Portiuncula.
Posted in: Events, Prayer, Saint Anthony, Saint Clare, Saint Francis, Year of Mercy
