How to Receive the Assisi Pardon

THE ASSISI PARDON

The Pardon of Assisi is the possibility to receive a plenary indulgence during the first two days of August. The tradition started on August 1, 1216, when Christ, Our Lady and angels appeared to St Francis in the little chapel of St Mary of the Angels. As he lay on the ground, St Francis asked God to grant the indulgence to all pilgrims who visit the church. God granted this re- quest and on the following day St Francis asked Pope Honorius III for his approval and he agreed.

The Feast of the Pardon of Assisi has since been celebrated between Vespers on August 1 and sundown on August 2. For many centuries, the indulgence could only be received by visiting St Mary of the Angels in Assisi, Italy. However, it is now possible to receive the indulgence at all Franciscan churches throughout the world, and also at all the parish churches in Assisi. http://www.americancatholic.org/Messenger/Aug1998/feature2.asp

HOW TO RECEIVE THE ASSISI PARDON

The indulgence—a remission of the temporal punishment for sin if all the conditions are fulfilled—may be gained by the faithful from noon August 1 to midnight August 2 through a devout visit to a parish church, a cathedral or some other oratory (such as a chapel of the Franciscans). An Our Father and the Creed are to be prayed.

To acquire the plenary indulgence it is necessary to ful- fill the following three conditions: sacramental confes- sion, eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff. It is further required that all attachment to sin, even venial sin, be absent. Recep- tion of the sacraments of Penance and Eucharist, as well as prayer for the intention of the Holy Father, are to happen within several days of the visit.

Francis would have been pleased that all who come with lowly and contrite hearts are finding pardon. Prayer for Faith, Grace and the Prayer for Faith, Grace and the Intercession of Our Lady of the Angels Intercession of Our Lady of the Angels

Heavenly Father, you filled the heart Heavenly Father, you filled the heart of St. Francis with a special love of St. Francis with a special love for the Mother of Your Son, Jesus, for the Mother of Your Son, Jesus, and for the Portiuncula. and for the Portiuncula. In this hallowed place you nourished In this hallowed place you nourished his spiritual life and inspired him his spiritual life and inspired him to found the Franciscan Order. to found the Franciscan Order. Through the intercession of Our Lady Through the intercession of Our Lady of the Angels may we be steadfast of the Angels may we be steadfast in our faith and remain true to You. in our faith and remain true to You. Grant us the faith and grace Grant us the faith and grace always to do Your will. always to do Your will. Grant this through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant this through Your Son, Jesus Christ. AMEN AMEN

Prayer for Faith, Grace and the Prayer for Faith, Grace and the Intercession of Our Lady of the Angels Intercession of Our Lady of the Angels