1664 Indulgences of Porziuncola St Francis of Assisi Franciscan Monastics Monks

The Portiuncola PORZIONCULA, PORTIUNCULA, or PORZIUNCOLA

In 2 parts combined

The Portiuncola Indulgence is a special favor granted by the Pope to St. Francis at his request.

One night in 1216, Francis awoke and felt a strong impulse to enter the chapel of the Portiuncola and pray. While at prayer, Our Lord and Our Lady appeared to Francis and asked him what he desired.  Thinking of others and recognizing his own sinfulness, Francis spoke. 0 God, although I am a great sinner, I beseech You to grant a full pardon of all sins to all who, having repented and confessed their sins, shall visit this church.

Our Lord answered, Francis, you ask much, but you are worthy of greater things, and greater things you shall have.

The Lord granted the Indulgence and Pope Honorius III ratified it. Originally the Indulgence was attached only to the Porticuncola.  However, subsequent Popes expanded the churches in which the Indulgence can be gained.

According to a legend, the existence of which can be traced back with certainty only to 1645, the little chapel of the Portiuncola was erected under Pope Liberius 352 to 66 by hermits from the Valley of Josaphat, who had brought thither relics from the grave of the Blessed Virgin.

The same legend relates that the chapel passed into the possession of St. Benedict in 516.

It was known as Our Lady of the Valley of Josaphat or of the Angels, the latter title referring, according to some, to Our Lady's ascent into heaven accompanied by angels on the Solemnity of the Assumption. However, a better-founded opinion attributes the name to the singing of angels which had been frequently heard there.