Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

Pax et Bonum (peace and Good will). This is the  salutation by which St. Francis of Assisi would greet  people in the many towns he visited. And further, he  would add: “O my Brothers and Sisters, I want you  all to go to Heaven.” In a mystical visitation from  our Lord, Francis was offered a request to save souls.  The Lord in His mercy granted “the Portiuncula  Indulgence or also known as the Pardon Prayer of St.  Francis. The Portiuncula is the small chapel surrounded by the great basilica of St. Mary of the Angels  where Francis founded the Order of Friars Minor  (the Franciscans).  

Attached to this revered place is the Plenary (meaning full) Indulgence or Pardon from the temporal  punishment due to sin. In other words, if one should  die having participated in the Pardon the soul would  not be detained in Purgatory, but rather go straight  to Heaven. How then does one participate in this  Pardon? The conditions are:  

1. Sacramental Confession to be in God’s grace  during eight days before or after the 1st of  August.  

2. Participation at Holy Mass on August 1st or 2nd  and the reception of Holy Eucharist.  

3. Praying the Apostles Creed, the Our Father, also  a prayer for the Pope’s intention (such as an  Our Father, Hail Mary, etc.) 

Special fliers are available in our Churches to further  explain this particular indulgence. It is a special grace  from God not to be missed. The Lord is so good to  us may we humbly take advantage of the blessings He  bestows.

With Blessings,

Father Langan