FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE PORZIUNCOLA
The Porziuncola
On August 2nd, the Franciscan Community throughout the world celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of the Porziuncola. The little church known as the Porziuncola currently stands within the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels in the plain below Assisi, Italy. The Porziuncola (or "little portion") is more than 900 years old, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and is considered the 'hearbeat' or home church of the worldwide Franciscan movement.
In 1208, Saint Francis was entrusted with the Porziuncola by the Abbot of the Monastery of Saint Benedict at Mount Subasio, which looms over Assisi and the Spoleto Valley. Francis and his first followers restored the badly dilapidated church with their own hands, begging stones, tools, and other supplies from the residents of the surrounding area. After papal approval, the Porziuncola became the home church of the Order of Friars Minor.
In 1211, on Palm Sunday, a young woman named Clare left her aristocratic family's home near the bishop's palace in Assisi. After dark and alone, Clare's courage and faith lead her to the Porziuncola, where she was welcomed by Francis and his brothers with songs of praise and thanksgiving. She dedicated her life to Christ and to following Francis' example of living according to the gospels.
The Pardon of Assisi
Five years later, on the night August 2, 1216, Francis, unable to sleep and praying alone at the Porziuncola, was visited by both the Lord and the Virgin Mary, who told him that anyone who visited the little church and repented would have their all of their sins forgiven. In 1480, more than two centuries after the saint's mystical experience, Pope Sixtus VI had extended the annual "Porziuncola Indulgence" on August 2nd to all Franciscan churches throughout the world.
In 1967, Pope Paul VI clarified the terms of the indulgence. The Holy Father stated that any Catholic could earn the "Pardon of Assisi" (a plenary indulgence or complete forgiveness of all sins) by participating in the Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliaton; by participating in the Holy Mass at any Catholic Church; and by reciting the Lord's Prayer, the Apostle's Creed, the Gloria, and a Hail Mary for the Pope and his intentions.
All are invited to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Porziuncola and to participate in the "Pardon of Assisi" on August 2nd. Saint Francis had a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, which was only strengthened by his prayer and by mystical experience at the Porziuncola. On this special feast day for Saint Francis and for all who seek to follow his example, let us pray as he prayed for the Virgin Mary's intercession.
Prayer for the Virgin Mary's Intercession
Holy Virgin Mary,
you are blessed among all born into this world:
Daughter of the Most High King, our Heavenly Father,
Mother of Our Most Holy Lord, Jesus Christ,
and Spouse of the Holy Spirit.
Pray for us with Saint Michael the Archangel
and with all the powers of Heaven and all the Saints
before your Most Holy and Beloved Son,
the Lord and Master.
Glory to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.
Amen.
Saint Francis, pray for us!
Saint Clare, pray for us!
Our Lady of the Porziuncola, pray for us!
Holy Men & Women of Assisi, pray for us!
If you would like to learn more about the Assisi Project and our upcoming opportunities for adult faith formation, prayer, pilgrimage, and retreat in the Franciscan spiritual tradition, please contact Cliff Garvey at assisiproject@ymail.com. May the Lord give you peace!
