Catholic Church Grants Porciúncula Indulgence on August 2

The Catholic Church observes the feast of Our Lady of the Angels on August 2 by granting a plenary indulgence, known as the Porciúncula indulgence, to the faithful who fulfill four conditions: attending Mass and receiving Communion, making a sacramental confession, praying for the Pope’s intentions, and visiting a Franciscan church on the designated day. The rite, rooted in a 13th‑century vision experienced by Saint Francis of Assisi, was formally approved by Pope Honorius III in 1216 and extended worldwide by later papal decrees.

The indulgence can be obtained in any Franciscan church globally, including locations such as Florianópolis in Brazil. As Fr. Gonzalo Cateriano, former provincial of the Capuchin Franciscans, explained, “Now the Forgiveness of Assisi can be obtained in all Franciscan churches of the world from the eve of the central feast.” The practice offers the remission of temporal punishment for sins already confessed, providing spiritual benefit to participants and, optionally, to souls in purgatory.