Sunday, October 3, 2010

St. Francis and the Porziuncola

On Thursday morning we visited the Porziuncola, the original church 4th Century church that St. Francis started restoring in the 12th Century, which is housed inside the Basilica of St. Mary's of the Angels. The Basilica is absolutely beautiful, and looked stunning against the brilliant blue skies we had on Thursday.

St. Marys of the Angels

The Porziuncola itself is a tiny church inside the much larger Basilica. It was in this church that St. Francis kneeled before the Cross of San Damiano and asked what he was to do with his life after returning from a stint as a knight in the battle between Assisi and Perugia. He heard a voice telling him to "Go repair my Church, which as you see is falling completely in ruin." Francis immediately began restoring the small church. After a fall out with his family, Francis gave his life completely to Christ, beginning a religious movement that saved not only the small Porziuncola, but perhaps the larger Catholic Church as well. In 1216 Francis saw a vision of Jesus and Mary and when they asked what he wanted most, he replied that he wanted the Lord to grant a full pardon to all who came to the Porziuncola and confessed and repented of their sins. Jesus replied, "Francis, you ask much, but you are worthy of greater things, and greater things you shall have," acquiescing to Francis' request and telling him to get ratification from the Pope for the indulgence. Pope Honorius III granted Francis' request and the indulgence can still be recieved at the Porziuncola.

The Cross of San Damiano

The facade is newer than the 12th century, but the walls are original. We gathered as a group inside the small church to say the Profession of Faith, Our Father, and a prayer for the Pope and his intentions, which are the three of the five requirements for the plenary indulgence. The other requirements are to go to mass and confession within seven days of visiting the church.


The Porziuncola. Click the picture to read to Wikipedia article on the Porziuncola

Interestingly enough, Los Angeles means "Of the Angels" so the neighborhood where the Church was located was called "Los Angeles." Up on the top of the hill in medieval Assisi we visited "San Fransisco." Guess we know who settled California now.

Peace.

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