JUBILEE YEAR OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI

 

 

FRIAR DANIEL UGBAGWU, OFMCap.

The Portiuncula Indulgence, also known as the Pardon of Assisi, is a plenary indulgence rooted in a vision granted to St. Francis of Assisi in 1216. A plenary indulgence is the complete remission of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It does not forgive sin itself; rather, it removes the temporal punishment that remains after sin has been absolved. The Portiuncula Indulgence, therefore, is one of the oldest and most remarkable plenary indulgences in the history of the Church. Granted in 1216 at the request of St. Francis of Assisi, it was the first plenary indulgence attached to a simple visit to a local Church rather than to participation in a crusade or a pilgrimage to one of the great Christian shrines. Although many indulgences had existed throughout the history of the Church, in the early days they were only partial remissions of the temporal punishment due to sin that members of the faithful could obtain. By granting the Portiuncula Indulgence, the Church offers the faithful a remarkable opportunity to experience the abundance of God's mercy and to grow in holiness.

The term Portiuncula means “little portion” or “small portion.” It refers to a small piece of land near Assisi that belonged to the Benedictine Order. On this land stood an old Church dedicated to the Virgin Mother of God, which had fallen into disrepair and been abandoned. Zealous for the salvation of souls, St. Francis boldly sought an extraordinary outpouring of mercy for sinners from our Lord and from the Roman Pontiff. He beautifully expressed his desire in these words: “My brothers and sisters, I want you all to go to heaven.” St. Francis desired that even the poorest of the faithful should have easy access to God's mercy. At a time when many indulgences were associated with lengthy pilgrimages or extraordinary acts of devotion, he longed for ordinary men and women to receive the grace of a plenary indulgence simply by approaching God with sincere repentance and faith.

St. Francis had a profound devotion to the Queen of Heaven and Earth, and when he discovered the neglected Church, he began to live there and to restore it. The Benedictines permitted St. Francis to use the Church in exchange for an annual payment of a basket of fish from a nearby river. The Portiuncula would later become the cradle of the Franciscan Order. It was here that St. Francis welcomed his first companions, where St. Clare embraced the Franciscan way of life, and where Francis desired to spend the final days of his earthly pilgrimage. For Franciscans throughout the world, the Portiuncula remains the spiritual heart of the Order.

In July 1216, while praying in the little Church of the Portiuncula, Francis was inflamed with love for God and with an ardent desire for the salvation of souls. He prayed earnestly for the forgiveness of the sins of all humanity. Suddenly, a brilliant light enveloped him, and in great splendour Jesus and Mary appeared within a dazzling cloud, accompanied by a multitude of radiant angels. Francis fell prostrate on the ground in adoration before our Lord. Jesus said to him, “Francis, you are very zealous for the good of souls. Ask of Me whatever you desire for their salvation.” Filled with ecstasy before the Lord, St. Francis humbly replied, “Lord, although I am a miserable sinner, I beg You to grant a plenary indulgence to all who enter this Church, who are truly contrite, have confessed their sins, and seek Your mercy. I also ask that Mary, Your Blessed Mother, intercede on behalf of the human race.” Jesus granted Francis’ request on the condition that he obtain the Pope’s formal approval. St. Francis therefore travelled to Perugia and presented his request to Pope Honorius III. Deeply moved by Francis’ sincerity and zeal for the salvation of souls, the Pope granted the indulgence, making it available to all who fulfilled the prescribed conditions.

Today, the faithful may obtain the Portiuncula Indulgence by visiting any Franciscan church or any parish church between noon on 1st August and midnight on 2nd August. They must also make a sacramental confession, receive Holy Communion, pray for the intentions of the Holy Father, and be detached from all sin – even venial sin. If any of the conditions is lacking, the indulgence becomes partial rather than plenary.

As we celebrate this extraordinary gift entrusted to the Church through St. Francis of Assisi, let us approach the Lord with humble and contrite hearts, receive His abundant mercy with gratitude, and strive each day to live lives worthy of the Gospel, so that we too may one day share in the everlasting glory of heaven.