The sources narrate that one night in the year 1216, St. Francis is immersed in prayer at the Portiuncula, when suddenly a most vivid light floods into the little church and he sees above the altar Christ and his Blessed Mother, surrounded by a multitude of Angels.
They then ask him what he desires for the salvation of souls.
Francis’ answer is immediate: “I pray that all those who, repentant and confessed, will come to visit this church, will obtain ample and generous forgiveness, with a complete remission of all faults.”