Portiuncula Plenary Indulgence available August 1-2

Today is the anniversary of the consecration of a small chapel near Assisi, Italy. 

In the 1200's after St Francis repaired the chapel of San Damiano and San Pietro della Spina, he was enchanted by the nearby Portiuncola chapel--translation--"the little portion."  It became his next project. He loved its formal name--Our Lady of the Angels. Its poverty reflected his charism. It was nestled near the quarantined hospital where he tended his lepers. It was here that St. Francis of Assisi recognized his vocation, to preach the Gospel. St Francis made it the headquarters for his new Order. Yet, he refused to accept it as a gift from the Benedictines. Annually, St Francis presented the Benedictines with a basket of fish, thereby paying rent for its use and allowing huts built for the new friars.

One night, Francis awoke and felt a strong impulse to pray in the chapel.  While at prayer, Our Lord and Our Lady appeared to Francis and asked him his desire.  Recognizing his sin, Francis asked "0 God, although I am a great sinner, I beseech You to grant a full pardon of all sins to all who, having repented and confessed their sins, shall visit this church." Our Lord answered, "Francis, you ask much, but you are worthy of greater things, and greater things you shall have." The Portiuncola Indulgence was a special favor granted by Pope Honorius III to St. Francis at his request.

Today, we can receive this full pardon. We must be free from every sin including venial sin.  All punishment is remitted for the indulgee or may be given to a soul in Purgatory. If there is any attachment to sin in the person, the Indulgence becomes partial. The Indulgence may be gained in any parish church on August 1 and 2. The person wishing to gain the Indulgence must fulfill the following requirements:

a. Pray to obtain the Indulgence

b. Be detached from all sin

c. While in church pray the Apostle's Creed and another prayer of choice

d. Pray for the intentions of the Pope: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be

e. Receive the Sacraments of penance and the Eucharist. 

Papal approvals. At first, only those visiting the Portiuncula chapel between noon of 1 August and sunset on 2 August were eligible. 

• Pope Sixtus IV extended it to all churches of the first and second orders of Saint Francis for Franciscans
• Pope Gregory XV extended it to all the faithful, who, after confession and the reception of Holy Communion, visited such churches on the appointed day. 
• Pope Gregory granted the same privilege to all the churches of the Capuchins. 
• Pope Urban VIII granted it for ALL churches of the regular 3rd Order in 1643
• Pope Clement X for all churches of the Conventuals in 1670.
• Later popes extended the privilege to all churches, provided that there was no Franciscan church in the district

Indefinitely, this privilege was renewed by a decree of the S. Cong. of Indul., 26 March 1911. An Indulgence may be gained for each visit to church and applied to the Holy Souls in purgatory. Thank you St Francis for this unselfish opportunity. We look forward to meeting you in heaven someday, God-willing.

St Francis of Assisi, pray for us

Mother Mary, pray for us

Jesus, we trust in you.

How to obtain Portiuncola Indulgence | franciscanpenancelibrary.com

What is the Feast of the Portiuncula? | Sensum Fidelia