The Pardon of Assisi

Each year on August 2, the Feast of Our Lady of the Portiuncula and the Pardon of Assisi are celebrated by Franciscans around the world.  

For Francis, the little chapel of St. Mary of the Angels in the woods below Assisi was a place of special grace.  Eventually it became the center of the Franciscan order, and the site of numerous events important to the life of Francis, and where he died on October 3, 1226.  August 2 marks the anniversary of the dedication of the Portiuncula, the "little portion".

The Pardon of Assisi is also celebrated on August 2.  According to Franciscan sources, one night in 1216, Francis was immersed in prayer and contemplation in the little church of the Portiuncula.  Suddenly, a bright light filled the church, and Francis saw Christ clothed in light above the altar with the Blessed Mother at his right and surrounded by a multitude of angels.  Francis adored his Lord in silence with his face to the ground.

Jesus asked Francis what he would desire for the salvation of souls.  Francis' response was immediate.  "Most Holy Lord, I beg you that everyone with an upright and contrite heart who will come to visit this church be granted an ample and generous pardon with complete remission of their sins."

"What you ask, brother Francis, is great", the Lord told him, "but you are worthy of even greater things and greater things you will have.  I accept your petition but on the condition that on my behalf you ask my Vicar on Earth for the indulgence."

Francis immediately went to Pope Honorius III, who was in neighboring Perugia at the time.  The Holy Father listened attentively to Francis, and after some difficulty, gave his approval.  The Pope then asked, "How many years do you want this indulgence for?"  Francis replied, "Holy Father, I am not asking for years, I am asking for souls."

A few days later, in the presence of the Bishops of Umbria and all the people gathered at the Portiuncula, Francis, in tears, announced, "My brothers and sisters, I want to send you all to Paradise!"

The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli now surrounds the tiny Portiuncula chapel.  The Basilica was begun in 1569 by decree of Pope Pius V.  It was meant to accommodate the huge crowds of pilgrims who come on August 2 for Il Perdono (Portiuncula Indulgence).  

The Pardon of Assisi is granted from noon on August 1 to midnight on August 2.  The privilege continues to be granted to this day, not only to those who visit the Portiuncula, but to anyone who visits any church where the Franciscan Friars live and minister.  To receive the plenary indulgence (for yourself or for someone else - living or deceased), in addition to the visit, one must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation within several weeks of the Feast Day (August 2), go to Mass and receive the Eucharist, recite the Our Father and Apostles Creed, and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.

Sources:

The Pardon of Assisi, Benedict XVI, Edizioni Porziuncola, 2006

Our Lady of the Angels Province, Conventual Franciscans