Franciscan Feast of Our Lady of the Angels of Portiuncula

Readings for the Feast of the Portiuncula

In the same way we also, when we were not of age, were enslaved to the elemental powers of the world.

As I understand, the Hebrew religion, during the centuries from Abraham to David -- and possibly until the Babylonian captivity -- presumed that many gods ruled the many nations of earth. Our spiritual ancestors believed that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God whose name might be written and read but should never be pronounced, was our God. He had claimed us as his own; he would jealously protect us, and generously provide for us always. But the Jews could not dismiss the existence and power of other gods who ruled other nations. 

In the fifth century before Christ, the prophet known as Deutero-Isaiah, an exile in Babylon, finally declared, 

Thus says the LORD, Israel’s king,

its redeemer, the LORD of hosts:

I am the first, I am the last;

there is no God but me.

However the religious belief in other gods persists to this day. They're known as angels and demons. While some might doubt the existence of angels, we have palpable proof of demons in the form of alcoholism, drug abuse, smoking, and other insane, irrational behaviors. Their votaries are enslaved and cannot imagine, think of, or discuss life without their worship. Seeking freedom, some turn to counselors and support groups; they read books and watch videos to drive out their demons. But these fallen angels often return to claim their own. And many good people die as slaves. 

Saint Francis worshiped God alone, but he knew the Queen of the Angels. He remembered Archangel Gabriel's brief visit to Mary the Mother of God; and the choirs of angels who sang over Bethlehem when Jesus was born. He found her throne in a chapel on a little portion of land near Assisi. To this day Franciscans celebrate this portiuncula as "Our Lady Queen of Angels." Pilgrims visit the basilica there -- the fifth largest in Christendom -- from all over the world. 

Many pilgrims to the Portiuncula seek freedom from their personal demons, and are welcomed by the Queen of Angels. Whether they come to Assisi or visit any church on Earth, she finds them and sends an angel like Raphael (Tobit 8:1-3), to drive the demon far away.

Those who have learned to despise the demon and choose to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength find the will and courage to live for the Lord all the days of their life. They belong to the Lord who provides for them, and protects them from harm.