One hundred fifty-one years ago on August 2, 1874 on the Franciscan Feast of the Portiuncula, the holy sacrifice of the Mass was offered for the first time at Silver Lake on the occasion of the dedication of the original wing of Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity thirteen years later in 1881 witnessed a fire destroy the original building, but as the convent was erected on the same foundation, we can say with certainty that this first Mass was offered in the area since known as St. Thomas Homeroom.
Our liturgy on this feast always helps us to remember the first Reception of our Foundresses. Not by chance was this day selected. Mother Odelia had a very special love for the Feast of the Portiuncula and when, years later, Saint Francis Chapel was to be dedicated, she chose this day again. As she said in her poem entitled Our Little Portiuncula, “This chapel of Franciscan love, our holy Portiuncula.” The poem goes on to reflect on the trials of a Sister as she labors and dies. In all affliction her heart finds joy in her Eucharistic Spouse.” Indeed the Portiuncula is her “little portion”of heaven here on earth. (Refining His Silver, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity publication)
Since 1967, the Portiuncula Indulgence is obtainable at every Franciscan Church including our St. Francis Chapel. A plenary indulgence is available to all who, free from attachment to sin and having recently received the Sacrament of Penance, go to a designated chapel, receive the Eucharist and pray especially for the intentions of the Holy Father.
Portiuncula Tidbits
The Portiuncula was originally called St. Mary of the Angels, because it was said that songs of angels were often heard there.
The Benedictines “rent” the Portiuncula to the Franciscans. Every year the Franciscans give the monks a basket of fish as their payment. The monks traditionally give the Franciscans a jar of oil to show their good will.
The Portiuncula was the first Motherhouse of the Franciscan family.
St. Francis has a deep devotion to the angels, especially St. Michael whose feast he annually prepared for with fasting and prayer.
St. Francis died at the Portiuncula. At his death he admonished the friars: “Take care my children never to leave this place; so that if you should be driven out of one door, come back by another, for it is truly holy and it is the house of God.” (Photo: Alekjds, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)
The post Why Portiuncula Feast is a Franciscan Sister Favorite appeared first on Franciscan Sisters.