The readings and the prayers which we use today are not from Ordinary Time, but from the Lectionary and Sacramentary of the Franciscan Orders. A Feast established to commemorate the Chapel of our Lady of the Angels, often referred to as the Portiuncula, which literally means, the Little Portion.

The Portiuncula was built, as a barn, very plain stone walls and no elaborate decorations of any kind. It was in that chapel that Francis of Assisi, in response to Divine Providence, started the Little Brothers of the Poor, later to be called the Friars Minor.

Francis had a special love for this place. He commanded his friars to keep it in special reverence, out of the great love and devotion which he had for the Mother of God. Here, strictest religious discipline was observed in all things, in silence and in labor.

It was also in this chapel that he received the Lady Clare, and in due time this chapel became the mother Church for the second Order, often known as Poor Clares. And it was in this chapel that St. Francis earthly life came to its final sojourn.

Thus did the Holy Father Pope Honorarius decree that this chapel should enjoy an annual Liturgical Feast and the privilege of Plenary indulgence to those who visit in faith, honors usually reserved to the major Basilicas of the World.

Francis realized that the kingdom of God is found in every dwelling on earth, but also knew that certain places enjoyed special graces and were more frequently visited by heavenly spirits. Jesus Himself said in the gospel: Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there. That is why the Church gives special honor to certain places where the people of God gather to worship.

Francis said to his friars: He who prays here with devout heart will obtain his request, and he who offends here will be punished severely. Therefore, consider the place of God's dwelling worthy of all honor and with all your hearts, with loud cries of joy and thanksgiving praise the Lord in this place.