The Forgiveness of Assisi... when St. Francis exclaimed: "My brothers, I want to send you all to Paradise!"
One night in the year of our Lord 1216, Francis was immersed in prayer and contemplation in the small church of Porziuncola when suddenly a bright light flooded the little church, and Francis saw Christ, clothed in light, above the altar, with His Blessed Mother on His right, surrounded by a multitude of angels. Francis prostrated himself on the ground, silently adoring his Lord!
Then they asked him what he desired for the salvation of souls. Francis' response was immediate: "Lord, though I am miserable and a sinner, I pray that all who, repentant and confessed, come to visit this church, be granted ample and generous pardon, with a complete remission of all their sins." "What you ask, friar Francis, is great," the Lord said to him, "but you are worthy of greater things, and you shall have them. Therefore, I grant your prayer, but on the condition that you ask this indulgence from my Vicar on earth, on my behalf."
Immediately, Francis went to Pope Honorius III, who was in Perugia at that time, and with candor, he recounted the vision he had seen. The Pope listened attentively and, after some difficulty, gave his approval. Then he said, "For how many years do you want this indulgence?" Francis replied with zeal, "Holy Father, I ask not for years, but for souls." Content, he headed for the door, but the Pontiff called him back, saying, "Don't you want any written documentation?" And Francis replied, "Holy Father, your word is enough for me! If this indulgence is God's work, He will make it manifest. I have no need of any written document. The Blessed Virgin Mary will be my parchment, Christ my notary, and the angels my witnesses."
And some days later, together with the bishops of Umbria and the people gathered at Porziuncola, he said through tears, "My brothers, I want to send you all to Paradise!"
More than 800 years have passed since that day, and thanks to "our" Francis, it is a time of Mercy for everyone, including us!
From August 1st at 12:00 pm until midnight on August 2nd, it is possible to obtain, for us or for somebody that we love and passed away, the indulgence of the Forgiveness (the “plenary” one: https://www.porziuncola.org/cos-e-l-indulgenza.html).
For all the times we have forgotten God and denied our "royal" dignity as His children, let our sincere repentance join in the loving embrace of the Father!
His Peace and Joy will renew the momentum of our Life's Journey.
Here are the "conditions" to obtain it:
1. Visit a Franciscan church within the prescribed time and recite the "Our Father" (to reaffirm one's dignity as a child of God, received in Baptism) and the "Creed" (to renew one's profession of faith).
2. Sacramental Confession to be in the Grace of God (can also be done in the eight days before or after).
3. Participation in Holy Mass and Eucharistic Communion (can also be done in the eight days before or after).
4. Pray according to the intentions of the Pope (at least one "Our Father" and one "Hail Mary," or other prayers of choice) to reaffirm one's belonging to the Church, whose visible foundation and center of unity is the Roman Pontiff.
5. A disposition of mind that excludes all affection for sin, even venial sin.
There are many Masses and events organized by the friars of Santa Maria degli Angeli for these two days, and they can also be followed here: https://www.porziuncola.org/
So… let’s go find a Franciscan church near us, and if we can't find it, let’s go to “any” church... I don't believe the Lord has preferences... He only wants to hear the beat of our heart united with His!
Happy Feast of Forgiveness to all!!