Italy
The Pardon of Assisi, celebrated every year between August 1st and 2nd, renews in 2026 the message of mercy entrusted by Saint Francis to the Church. Through the Indulgence of the Porziuncola, the faithful are invited to rediscover reconciliation with God and with their brothers and sisters, living the sacrament of Confession, prayer, and charity.
This event continues to remind us that peace is born from a heart capable of forgiving and starting anew.
And this is what Father Angelo Esposito expresses, a missionary for years in Guatemala, currently in Italy.
There are places where heaven seems to touch the earth.
Today I concluded my pilgrimage of the Pardon of Assisi in the small and precious Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, in Gubbio.
Here I celebrated Holy Mass in honor of Our Lady of the Angels (Santa Maria degli Angeli), patroness of our small hospital “Los Angelitos” in Tacaná, San Marcos, Guatemala.
Before the altar, I carried in my heart every hospitalized child, every suffering person, every family living in the anguish of illness. I entrusted to the Lord all the doctors, nurses, healthcare staff, volunteers, and all those who, with silent love, transform suffering into hope every day.
In that prayer, I was not alone. All of you were there with me.
I pronounced your names in the silence of my heart, asking God to grant you health, peace, strength, and the certainty that no tear falls in vain when entrusted to His love.
The Pardon of Assisi reminds us that God’s mercy is greater than any weakness and that, even in the most difficult nights, there is always a light that continues to shine.
I always carry you with me. I carry you to the altar. I carry you in my heart.
With affection and in prayer,
Photo by father Angelo Esposito
