The Indulgence of the Pardon of Assisi is granted to pilgrims to the Porziuncola and to the faithful who visit any Franciscan Church in the world between August 1 and 2.
Newsroom (August 1, 2021, 3:13 PM, Gaudium Press) Starting at noon on August 1 and throughout August 2, Franciscan churches around the world celebrate the ‘Pardon of Assisi’ or ‘Pardon of the Porziuncola’, an Indulgence granted to those persons who, repentant of their sins and in a contrite spirit, make a pilgrimage to the Church of the Porziuncola in Assisi or to any Franciscan temple in the world.
How to obtain the indulgence of the Pardon of Assisi?
To obtain this indulgence, which is the forgiveness of temporal punishment for sins confessed and forgiven by the priest, the following requirements must be met:
1 – Visit the Sanctuary of the Porziuncola in Assisi or any Franciscan church;
2 – Confess, receive Communion, and pray the Creed, an Our Father, and a Hail Mary for the intentions of the Holy Father;
3 – Reject sin.
The indulgence of the ‘Pardon of Assisi’ can be obtained by the person who asks for it or by a deceased person.
Origin of the Pardon of Assisi
The Franciscan tradition of the Pardon of the Porziuncola originated in 1216 when St. Francis of Assisi was praying fervently in the small church of the Porziuncola.
At that moment, Our Lord Jesus Christ asked Saint Francis if he desired some special grace to save souls. Without doubt, the Saint asked Him to grant a generous indulgence to anyone who visits the Porziuncola. Our Lord granted St. Francis this gift on the condition that he also ask the Pope for it. With obedience, Francis went to Honorius III, who granted the Indulgence.
On August 2nd of that year, the seven bishops of Umbria consecrated the small chapel of the Porziuncola and St. Francis announced to all the great gift of heaven with the well-known expression: “My brothers, I want to send you all to Paradise.
Since then the feast has taken place annually, beginning on the morning of August 1 and ending at sunset on August 2, days on which the Indulgence is granted to pilgrims to the Porziuncola and to the faithful who visit any Franciscan Church in the world.
Prayer for gaining the Indulgence of the “Pardon of Assisi”
Most Holy Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that You are present in this holy Franciscan temple and in a special way in the Tabernacle. I adore You with all my heart; I sincerely repent of all my sins and with Your loving help I propose not to sin again. I beg you, grant me the grace to gain the holy Plenary Indulgence of the Porziuncola, the Pardon of Assisi, which you yourself granted to your humble servant St. Francis of Assisi, through the maternal plea of your Blessed Mother, and which I want to gain for myself and for (name of the deceased).
I pray to you for the intentions of Pope Francis, that he may continue confirming his baptized brothers in the Faith and that we may follow you as missionary disciples. I pray to You for the Church, the means through which You grant Your favors, so that she may continue building Your Kingdom of peace, justice, and love. I pray for the peace of the world and the conversion of sinners.
And you, Daughter of the Father, Mother of the Son, Spouse of the Holy Spirit and Queen of Angels, plead before your beloved Son for me, help me to follow your maternal advice: do what He tells me to do. Saint Joseph, kind and prudent, faithful spouse and exemplary father, protect me. Holy Angels, Apostles Peter and Paul, seraphic and glorious Saint Francis of Assisi and all the Blessed in heaven, pray for me and for the faithful deceased for whom I have been praying on this very special day. Amen. (EPC)
Compiled by Sarah Gangl
