Feast of Our Lady of the Angels

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Today we gather to give thanks for the  devotion of St. Francis of Assisi to Our Lady of the Angels, the Blessed Virgin Mary.

St. Francis, held a deep affection for the Mother of God, recognizing her as a powerful intercessor and a guiding light on his spiritual journey.  On this day we reflect on  the life of St. Francis and his devotion to Our Lady of the Angels, we draw inspiration from his example and  the significance of Mary's role in our lives today.

 St. Francis was a man who exemplified humility and embraced simplicity. He understood that true greatness lies in surrendering to God's will with a childlike heart. From his earliest encounters with Our Lady of the Angels, Francis learned the value of meekness and self-emptying. As we meditate on the humility of St. Francis, let us seek to imitate his profound devotion to the Blessed Mother, who herself declared, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).

 Within the small church of the Porziuncola, St. Francis experienced a transformative encounter with Our Lady of the Angels. It was in this sacred space that he found solace, guidance, and inspiration. Recognizing the significance of this holy site, Francis dedicated himself and his followers to a life of poverty and service, with the support and intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We, too, can make the Porziuncola a place where we encounter Mary's motherly love and seek her guidance in times of joy and challenges.

St. Francis referred to the Blessed Virgin Mary as "Our Lady of the Angels" due to her role in guiding and protecting the friars of his order. He believed that her loving care extended beyond earthly boundaries and embraced all of creation. Just as Mary watched over St. Francis and his brothers, she watches over each one of us, her children. In times of distress and uncertainty, lie St Francis we can be  confident in her intercession before her Son, Jesus Christ.

  As the Mother of God, Mary shares her motherly love and compassion with all humanity. She is ever ready to embrace us in our struggles, wipe away our tears, and guide us toward her Son, Jesus. By drawing closer to Mary, we deepen our relationship with Christ, for she is the perfect example of a faithful disciple and a loving mother.

Today, let us remember the devotion of St. Francis to Our Lady of the Angels. His life teaches us the transformative power of simplicity, humility, and love. Just as the small church of the Porziuncola was a sanctuary for St. Francis, we can create sacred spaces in our hearts where we encounter Mary's motherly love and find refuge in her intercession.

Through devotion to Our Lady of the Angels, may we grow in our faith, deepen our love for Christ, and become instruments of God's peace in the world. As St. Francis once said, "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love." With Mary's guidance and intercession, may we live out this prayer, spreading Christ's love and compassion to all we encounter.

 

Portiuncula Indulgence

The first written document we have regarding this indulgence is dated October 31, 1277, some sixty years after the indulgence is said to have been granted. As a result, many different accounts have come down to us purporting to relate the vision of St. Francis and the way in which the Pope consented to grant this indulgence.

CONDITIONS TO OBTAIN
THE PLENARY INDULGENCE
OF THE FORGIVENESS OF ASSISI
(for oneself or for a departed soul)

* Sacramental Confession to be in God's grace
(during the eight days before or after);
* Participation in the Holy Mass and Eucharist.
* Visit to a Catholic Church, followed by PROFESSION OF FAITH, in order to reaffirm one's own Christian identity;
* Say the OUR FATHER, in order to reaffirm the dignity as child of God that one received in Baptism;
* A prayer for the Pope's intention, in order to reaffirm one's membership in the Church, of which the Roman Pontiff is the foundation and sign of visible unity.