Friday, August 2, 2013

FEAST OF PORTIUNCULA


The Basilica of St. Francis Assisi
In the Spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi "Portiuncula" means a small portion, has a big and huge significance. It is small in structure but what it has given to Francis and early brothers is immense. Portiuncula Church was one of three dilapidated church's that Francis renovated. It is in this church that Francis began his religious life and vocation. It is this place which gave him a new direction and sense of a new life in the world. This church inspired him to dedicate and offer his entire life to God. Portiuncula is dear and beloved to Francis and all the Franciscans because it is here that he began the Order and from here the small plant of Francis grew. This is the Mother house for all Franciscans. The early friars along with Francis Prayed and meditated. This is the holy place where St. Clare was received by Francis and the early friars. The importance and significance of this holy place is on the rise year by year.In 1216, in a vision, St Francis obtained from Jesus himself the Indulgence of the Pardon of Assisi that was approved by Pope Honorius III. This plenary indulgence may ordinarily be gained on August 2 and 15; pilgrims may gain it once a year on any day of the year. At the Porziuncola, that was and is the centre of the Franciscan Order, St Francis assembled all the Friars in the Chapter every year to discuss the Rule and to renew their dedication to the Gospel Life. The Chapter of Mats (Stuoie) in 1221 was attended by more than 5000 friars. The Porziuncola is situated now inside the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels in the town of the same name around 5 km from Assisi. Here he began and grew in his religious life; here he founded the Franciscan Order; here he manifested his love and great devotion to the Mother of God. When Francis knew he was dying, he requested to be brought to the Portiuncula to end his earthly life.As we honor Our Lady of the Angels, may we find inspiration for our own growth and development in the Gospel way of life that Saint Francis embraced and lived so completly.

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