The Portiuncula chapel in the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi. (Photo courtesy of mauidw/Flickr).
ASSISI — Pope Francis will join pilgrims traveling to the Portiuncula chapel next month to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Pardon of Assisi, which falls during the Year of Mercy. He will visit the chapel to pray privately.
According to Franciscan tradition, St. Francis experienced a vision of Jesus and Mary in the Portiuncula chapel on Aug. 1, 1216. He prayed that all pilgrims to the chapel would receive a plenary indulgence, and his prayer was granted on the condition that he received permission from the pope.
Today, a plenary indulgence can be received on Aug. 2 by anyone who visits a Catholic church with the intention of honoring Our Lady of the Angels and recites the Creed, the Our Father, and prays for the pope’s intentions, along with fulfilling other conditions.
Last year, Pope Francis marked the Pardon of Assisi by stressing the importance of the sacrament of confession. The feast of Our Lady of the Angels of Porziuncola “is a powerful reminder to bring ourselves closer to the Lord in the Sacrament of Mercy and to receive Communion,” he said, according to Catholic News Agency.
In other news from the Franciscan Order, a meeting of the OFM Russia-Kazakhstan Foundation is being held from July 7 to 14 at the General Curia in Rome. The participating friars will examine the presence of the Order in these places, while exploring new opportunities for the future.
Recently, the Fraternitas newsletter and the OFM website have featured the following:
- The solemn vows retreat taking place this month in Italy. Among the 18 friars are John Aherne, OFM, George Camacho, OFM, and Edgardo Jara, OFM.
- Financial report given by General Treasurer Fr. John Puodziunas, OFM, in May
- Return of the crucifix of San Damiano in June
- New Franciscan books including two by American friars – Fr. Rick Martignetti, OFM, and Fr. Louis Vitale, OFM
- An ongoing formation course in evangelization that will be taught from Feb. 10 to Oct. 31, 2017 in Brazil
- Schedule of General Minister Fr. Michael Perry, OFM, who will be participating in the July 27 meeting of young Franciscans at World Youth Day in Poland
— Maria Hayes is communications coordinator for Holy Name Province.
Related Links
- “Six OFM Provinces Unify in Northern Italy, Other News from Order” — June 12, 2016, HNP Today
- “General Definitory Outlines Guidelines for Next Two Years” – Feb. 10, 2016, HNP Today
- “General Minister Welcomes Pope Francis to Church of San Damiano” — Oct. 9, 2013, HNP Today