Santa Maria Degli Angeli - Porziuncola

Prayer of St. Francis

“I ask that all those who, 

having repented and confessed, 

will come to visit this church 

will obtain full and generous pardon 

with a complete remission of guilt.”

The Great Pardon of Assisi

Don't pick it apart.  Don't simply break it down to conditions and rules - let them alone, let those who love such things, store them up for themselves.  Don't be intimidated by what seems to be difficult requirements.

Trust.

Seek pardon.  That is what the Great Pardon is all about.  That is what St. Francis, in his Gospel simplicity, prayed for, longed for, and implored the Blessed Virgin for.  He stipulated 'for those who repent and confess' of course - but he prayed for the salvation of all souls who would come, hoping in this divine condescension.  He submitted everything to the decision of the Church.  I think he may have bargained secretly in his heart, for as long as time exists - to obtain the necessary grace and/or dispositions for those too weak to do more than repent and confess ... I may be wrong.

Trust.

Trust in the Divine Mercy.  Do not let anyone stop you or discouraged you.

Throw yourself upon the mercy of God.

Trust.

Have confidence - great confidence.  Believe, and it will be given you - generous measure, pressed down, shaken together, flowing over ... beyond all imagining.  One confession can make us a saint.  One Communion, longingly, fervently received can do even more than we can ask or imagine.  There is no limit to Divine Mercy.

Go with all the love in your heart, with deepest sorrow for sin - and implore pardon for your sins and every attachment to sin.  God will never reject that kind of prayer.

St. Francis, pray for me, a sinner.

Santa Maria degli Angeli,

pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour

of our death.

Amen.