Portiuncula Indulgence Pardon of Assisi - Houlton

On Sunday, August 2, we celebrate the healing power of God’s merciful love as we commemorate the Pardon of Assisi.  Also known as the Portiuncula Indulgence, the Pardon of Assisi originated in 1216 when St. Francis of Assisi received a vision of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and angels at the Portiuncula chapel, a small church he had restored and dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels in Assisi, Italy. In this vision, Francis requested an indulgence for all the faithful who visited the chapel with true contrition and confession of sins. Jesus approved the request but instructed Francis to seek papal confirmation, which Pope Honorius III granted, officially establishing the indulgence.

In celebration of the day, St. Mary of the Visitation Church in Houlton will hold adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and will offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The Pardon of Assisi is a manifestation of God’s mercy and a symbol of Saint Francis’ zeal for the salvation of souls . It emphasizes reconciliation, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal, inviting the faithful to experience God’s grace and to cultivate detachment from sin. The Pardon of Assisi continues to be a powerful symbol of God’s infinite love and mercy, encouraging the faithful to seek forgiveness, practice charity, and live a life of spiritual renewal in the spirit of Saint Francis. Come and be reconciled to God as we look forward to experiencing the healing power of his mercy and forgiveness.