The name of the holiday is based on a small chapel that holds immense significance for the Order of Conventual Franciscan Friars. The Chapel of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi is the birthplace of the Order of the Friars Minor and the Order of St. Clare.
This Chapel is also the location of Saint Francis’ passing. This feast day also includes a plenary indulgence that brings pilgrims to the chapel each year and allows for those who are unable to travel to Assisi to participate in the Plenary indulgence as well.
What is the History of the Chapel?
It is rumored that the chapel dates all the way back to 300-500 AD, and by the time Saint Francis had happened upon the church it had fallen to ruin. During Francis’ early vocation discernment, he was called upon by God to “rebuild my church”.
That he did, and around 1210 the chapel became the birthplace of the Order of the Friars Minor Conventual and brothers began residing there.
In 1226 Saint Francis passed inside that very chapel.
Today, the small chapel is surrounded by a larger basilica that was constructed by Pope Pius X in 1569. Through natural disasters and the test of the time, the basilica has remained a beautiful holy site through occasional restorations.
What is the Portiuncula Indulgence?
The special indulgence granted on August 2 absolves pilgrims from their sins. In 1967 Pope Paul VI granted the indulgence to all those who sought absolution in Franciscan churches worldwide.
According to St. John Paul II, this is a “pardon and reconciliation, that is, of grace, which divine goodness ours out on us if we are well disposed because God is truly rich in mercy.”