|
At
the foot of the mountain on which Assisi is situated, hermits from Palestine
had built an oratory in the first centuries of the Christian era. This oratory
together with a small plot of land was given to St. Benedict in the 6th
century. The name Portiuncula, that is, Little Portion, is supposed to have
been derived from the transfer of this small piece of property. The little
church was called St. Mary of the Angels, and the inhabitants of Assisi went
there frequently to pray. (See large photo, below)
When St. Francis forsook the world, it was his
first pious act to restore this sanctuary of the Queen of heaven, which had
become somewhat dilapidated. Many extraordinary favors were granted to him in
this little church. The Queen of heaven designated this place as the cradle of
his order. Here, likewise, she implored for him the great indulgence by which
the Portiuncula chapel became famous throughout Christendom.
A special impulse led St. Francis on a certain
night to go to the chapel. There he saw our Lord and His holy Mother
surrounded by a great host of angels. Filled with astonishment and reverence,
the saint prostrated himself upon the ground and adored the Divine Majesty.
Then he heard the voice of our Lord urging him with ineffable tenderness to
ask some special favor. Nothing was so near to the heart of Francis as the
salvation of souls, and so, after a few moments of reflection, he asked for
the grace of a full pardon for all who, being contrite and having confessed
their sins, would visit this little sanctuary. Mary cast herself upon her
knees before her Divine Son, and repeated the petition of her faithful
servant.
Thereupon the Lord said to Francis: "It is a great
favor that you request, nevertheless it shall be granted to you. Go to my
Vicar on earth, to whom I have given the power to bind and to loose, and ask
him in My name to grant this indulgence."
Forthwith Francis presented himself to Pope
Honorius III, who, after having assured himself of the truth of the vision,
granted his request, but with the restriction that the indulgence could be
gained on one day of the year. The 2nd of August was the designated day, that
being the anniversary of the little church's dedication. At the command of the
pope and in the presence of 7 bishops, St. Francis preached the extraordinary
indulgence at the Portiuncula before a great concourse of people. From that
time the Portiuncula was annually the goal of innumerable pilgrims.
Subsequently the indulgence was extended to every day of the year.
A large basilica was built over the chapel, and so
the little sanctuary of the Portiuncula has been preserved in its original
condition. By virtue of their apostolic power the popes have extended this
indulgence to all Franciscan churches, and under special conditions even to
some other churches. They have also granted that the indulgence can be gained
not only once, but as often as anyone, who has been to confession and to holy
Communion, visits the appointed church on Portiuncula day and prays 6 Our
Fathers, Hail Marys, and Glorys for the intention of the Holy Father. Besides,
the indulgence can be applied to the holy souls in purgatory.
ON THE PORTIUNCULA
INDULGENCE
It cannot be denied that this indulgence is one of
the most precious favors that comes to us from the treasury of the divine
mercy. Not only the Vicar of Christ but Christ Himself granted it at the
intercession of the Blessed Virgin, the Mother of Mercy. It is recorded that
when the pope first granted his approval St. Francis departed without having
obtained a written document as a testimonial. When his attention was drawn to
the fact, St. Francis remarked: "God Himself will testify to this indulgence."
Was that not actually verified by the great confidence of all Christians? One
may well say of this indulgence what was said of the gracious condescension of
our Lord in the Incarnation: "Through the heart of the mercy of our God, the
Orient from on High has visited us unto the remission of sins." (Luke 1:78)
Who would not use this day of grace well?
Consider how extraordinary are the graces of the
Portiuncula indulgence. If we have contritely confessed our sins and gone to
holy Communion, we can gain this indulgence as often as we visit the
designated church and pray the 6 Our Fathers, Hail Marys, and Glorys for the
intention of the pope. If we have gained the indulgence and leave the church,
we can re-enter and gain it again. In the event that we have really gained the
plenary indulgence so that there remains no further punishment to be remitted,
we can help the holy souls each succeeding time if we apply the indulgence to
them. How many souls may be waiting for this day, to be aided by your charity
and mercy. Shall their trust in you be in vain?
Consider that the effects of the Portiuncula
indulgence depend on the disposition of him who sets out to gain it. It was
the spirit of penance and of trust in God that made St. Francis worthy of
obtaining this indulgence. His entire life was one continuous act of penance,
and when this great grace was granted to him, our Lord and His Blessed Mother,
and a great number of angels appeared to him: this increased his confidence
still more. With a similar disposition of mind and heart you will assuredly
share the benefit of the indulgence. Awaken in yourself the true spirit of
penance and of great confidence, so that our Lord may also say to you: "Go,
and as you have believed, so be it done to you." (Matt 8:13)
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
O God, who dost permit us
annually to celebrate anew the dedication Day of Thy temple, and dost grant
that we may attend the sacred mysteries in good health, hear the prayers of
Thy people and grant that everyone who enters this church to ask graces for
himself, may rejoice in the complete answer to his prayers. Through Christ our
Lord. Amen.
from:
The Franciscan Book
of Saints, ed. by
Marion Habig, ofm., © 1959 Franciscan Herald
Press |
