The Portiuncula Indulgence – August 2

“A Gift of Mercy from the Heart of Christ”


1. Introduction

The Portiuncula Indulgence is a grace granted through the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi. It is available to all the faithful who, under the usual conditions, visit a parish church or other designated church on August 2 (or on another date set by the diocesan bishop) and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.


It is a plenary indulgence — the complete remission of all temporal punishment due to sin — and can be offered for oneself or for a soul in purgatory.


2. Requirements for the Indulgence

The Five Conditions:



3. Step-by-Step Guide

Before August 2:



On August 2:



4. Prayers

Prayer of Intention

Lord Jesus Christ, I desire to gain the plenary indulgence granted by Your Church for the Feast of the Portiuncula. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Francis of Assisi, I unite this intention to the merits of Your Passion and Resurrection. I offer it for my soul (or: for the soul of [Name]) and for Your glory. Purify me completely and draw me closer to You. Amen.


Prayer for the Pope’s Intentions

Our Father

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.


Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.


Glory Be

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.


Prayer of Thanksgiving After Communion (Anima Christi)

Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within Thy wounds hide me. Suffer me not to be separated from Thee. From the malignant enemy defend me. In the hour of my death call me, and bid me come unto Thee, that with Thy saints I may praise Thee forever and ever. Amen.


Prayer of Offering the Indulgence

Eternal Father, I offer You the plenary indulgence gained this day through Your Church for the glory of Your name and the salvation of souls. If it be Your will, apply it to the soul most in need in purgatory (or: for the soul of [Name]) so they may soon rejoice in Your presence forever. Amen.




Brief History of the Portiuncula Indulgence

The Portiuncula Indulgence traces its origins to St. Francis of Assisi in the early 13th century. The Portiuncula — meaning “Little Portion” — was a small, humble chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels, located near Assisi. It had fallen into ruin and was lovingly restored by St. Francis and his companions around 1207.


This chapel became the spiritual heart of the Franciscan movement, where St. Francis received his first followers, where the Franciscan Rule was approved, and where Francis himself would later die.


The Vision and Request

According to tradition, one night in 1216 while praying in the Portiuncula, St. Francis experienced a vision of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary, surrounded by angels. The Lord asked Francis what he desired for the salvation of souls. St. Francis, moved by deep charity, replied:


“Most Holy Father, although I am a poor sinner, I ask that all who come to this church, repentant and confessed, may obtain a full pardon of all their sins.”


Christ granted the request and directed Francis to seek approval from the Pope.


Papal Approval

St. Francis went immediately to Pope Honorius III, who was then residing in Perugia. The Pope granted the indulgence, which was to be obtained only on August 2 each year by visiting the Portiuncula Chapel with the proper spiritual dispositions. Over time, the privilege was extended to all parish churches throughout the world.


Spiritual Significance

The indulgence reflects St. Francis’s burning love for the salvation of souls and his desire to make Heaven more accessible to sinners through the mercy of Christ and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.


Today, the Church continues to grant this indulgence on August 2 (or another date designated by the local bishop) to all who visit a parish church or other designated church, fulfilling the usual conditions.