Many are familiar with the chapel near Assisi called the "Portiuncula," which simply means, "little portion of land."
It is famous for what people call the “Pardon of Assisi,” an indulgence that stated anyone who journeyed to this small chapel would receive a plenary indulgence, a full pardon for their sins, on August 2.
The indulgence has since been extended to all Franciscan churches in the world and is available to all pilgrims visiting Assisi any time of the year.
The chapel itself has been the site of many miraculous events, including a legendary story that explains why its official name is Our Lady of the Angels.
Voice of angels
The small chapel was built in the 4th or 5th century and according to the Catholic Encyclopedia, "It was known as Our Lady of the Valley of Josaphat or of the Angels — the latter title referring, according to some, to Our Lady's ascent into heaven accompanied by angels (Assumption B.M.V.); a better founded opinion attributes the name to the singing of angels which had been frequently heard there."
There is even a tradition that states some "relics" were brought from the empty tomb of the Blessed Virgin Mary to this chapel. As a result, tt's believed that even before St. Francis, the chapel was named Our Lady of the Angels.
Later on this name was further confirmed by a miraculous vision St. Francis had while praying in the chapel. According to tradition, in July of 1216, St. Francis had a vision of Jesus and the Virgin Mary surrounded by a host of angels.
It was at this point that St. Francis asked Jesus and the Virgin Mary for what would become the Pardon of Assisi.
Ever since, August 2 has been dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels, in honor of this miraculous chapel near Assisi.
What's interesting as well is how many important events happened at this little chapel in the life of the Franciscan Order.
St. Francis and his earliest followers lived near this chapel, making it the "birthplace" of the Order of Friars Minor. St. Clare also professed her first vows inside the chapel.
Last of all, St. Francis died just outside the chapel in 1226, on the bare ground as he requested.
The chapel -- which today is enclosed in the larger Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels -- is intimately bound to the Franciscans, while the feast day also recalls Mary's sovereignty in Heaven, which is celebrated later in August on both the feast of the Assumption and the feast of Our Lady Queen of Heaven.
