Holy Father Pope Francis, through the Congregation of New Evangelization, has recently appointed Fr Trevor D’Souza O.F.M., as a Missionary of Mercy. The article has been prepared by him.
Pardon of Assisi: Indulgence on the Feast of Potiuncula
One night of the year 1216 St. Francis a strong carnal temptation to win undressed and jumped without hesitation in the middle of the bush surrounding his cell. Immediately the bush turned into a beautiful rose garden without thorns. There appeared two angels took him in the chapel of Santa Maria Porziuncola, where he found waiting for him, sitting on thrones and surrounded by numerous light shining angels, Christ and the Madonna.
The Savior asked him what reward he wanted for his heroic act. St. Francis answered: “I wish to grant an extraordinary indulgence to anyone, confessed, repented and acquitted, to enter into this chapel.” Read more: https://digilander.libero.it/raxdi/inglese/induf.htm
To obtain plenary indulgence a faithful must:
- Confession
- To make Eucharistic Communion
- To recite our Father, Hail Mary and Glory to the Father according to the intentions of the Pope
- To recite the Creed and our Father
- Visit a Church or a Franciscan oratory
The big question is, how to fulfil these conditions during these Covid times? Out of the five conditions, two can be fulfilled by sitting in our homes, namely, to recite our Father, Hail Mary and Glory to the Father according to the intentions of the Pope and to recite the Creed and our Father.
The other three conditions, Confession, To make Eucharistic Communion, Visit a Church or a Franciscan oratory (maybe possible for some), can be done so only in a spiritual way. Hence it is recommended that we spend time to make an examination of conscience and say the
Act of Contrition. We can also add reciting Psalm 51 as part of our spiritual confession.
The Lord knows our heart and we can be confident, that if we are truly repentant and honest, He will grant us what He has promised!!!
Short video on Pardon of Assisi prepared by Anoop P Varghese
English: https://youtu.be/wSG83DycR-4
Malayalam: https://youtu.be/rnCNJupdkVU
Italian: https://youtu.be/yS5SYCiJNE0
“According to legend and later historical fragments, St. Francis of Assisi persuaded Pope Honorius III to grant a plenary indulgence to all those who visited the Portiuncula on August 2 and confessed their sins. It was on this date that the little church was dedicated under the patronage of St. Mary of the Angels. The Portiuncula, or Little Portion, is the cradle of the Franciscan Order, established as its headquarters by St. Francis himself.”
Read more from an article: by Kathleen M. Carroll
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/st-francis-and-the-feast-of-pardon/
Document on the Pardon of Assisi, issued by Pope John Paul II, Portiuncolae sacra aedes: decree. Read: (Sacra Penitenzieria Apostolica, Prot. N. 47/88/1, Porziuncola, Prot. N. 146/1988: “Portiunculae sacra aedes”).
Read more: https://digilander.libero.it/raxdi/inglese/induf.htm
(Fr Trevor D’Souza, OFM., Missionary of Mercy, can be contacted on 9481326855)