The Feast of Our Lady of the Angels of the Portiuncula
August 2nd, is a special day for all Franciscans, as we celebrate The Feast of Our Lady of the Angels of the Portiuncula. When St. Francis was discerning his vocation, he heard the Lord tell him, "Go and build my church". Francis taking what he heard literally, went and repaired chapels that were deteriorating. The Portiuncula or the “Little Portion,” dedicated to St. Mary of the Angels was one of the three chapels he repaired. The chapel and the land belongs to the Benedictines for it was given to St. Benedict in the 6th century. However, the friars came to live at the Portiuncula in early 1211. It became the “motherhouse” of the Franciscans. It is now enclosed in a basilica in Assisi and the original structure of the Portiuncula is preserved. St. Francis of Assisi persuaded Pope Honorius III to grant a plenary indulgence to all those who visited the Portiuncula on August 2 and confessed their sins. This indulgence has been extended to all churches, especially those held by Franciscans, throughout the world.
Are you discerning your vocation as St. Francis did? Do you feel called to be a friar, consider writing to one of the vocation directors to inquire more information?
