Christians all over the world venerate the chapel of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi, also called the Portiuncula, as the founding place of the Order of Friars Minor and the Poor Clares, the first communities of Franciscan men and women. In short, it is the mother church of the Franciscan family. St. Francis and his followers made their spiritual home at the Portiuncula, and it is where Francis died on Oct. 3, 1226. Francis' reverence for the Portiuncula was so great, and the graces associated with the chapel were so abundant, that the Church established a liturgical feast in honor of the chapel, marking the anniversary of its dedication.
Two of our Capuchin Franciscan friars of the Custody of Japan, Br. Poul Karun Mascarnas and Br. Vika Dominic Chishi, reside at Mine Catholic Church, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, in the Diocese of Saitama. With the faithful of the parish, they joyfully celebrated the feast of the Portiuncula on Aug. 2 with great devotion, solemnity, and festive spirit.
As Mine Catholic Church is one of the designated pilgrim churches of the diocese for the jubilee year of St. Francis, the celebration held special significance for all who gathered to participate in this grace-filled occasion.
Mario Yamanouchi Michiaki, Bishop of Saitama, presided over the solemn Eucharistic celebration. “His presence brought immense joy to the parish community and added a special spiritual significance to the feast,” said Brother Vika Dominic. The celebration drew a large congregation of the faithful, including pilgrims who travelled from various parishes, some coming from distant places to take part in the celebration and to receive the jubilee plenary indulgence. “Their enthusiastic participation reflected a deep desire to renew their faith and experience God's abundant mercy,” he said.
In his homily, Bishop Mario spoke about God's infinite love and mercy and how this feast beautifully portraits such love, inviting everyone to open their hearts to Christ and to experience the transforming power of his forgiveness. “His inspiring words deeply touched the congregation, and many were visibly moved to tears as they reflected on God's compassion and their own journey of faith,” reported Brother Vika Dominic.
A large number of faithful received the sacrament of reconciliation, Brother Vika Dominic noted. “Many patiently waited to make their confession so that they could receive the grace of the Portiuncula indulgence. It was a beautiful testimony that the jubilee year is not merely an external celebration but a genuine invitation to conversion, repentance, and spiritual renewal.”
He continued: “The celebration concluded in an atmosphere of profound joy and gratitude. The active participation of the faithful, the reverent liturgy, the inspiring message of the bishop, and the heartfelt response of so many people to God's mercy made the feast a truly memorable occasion for the parish community.
“May the graces received through this sacred feast continue to strengthen the faith of all the pilgrims and inspire us to live as authentic witnesses of Christ in our daily lives.”
