Church of St Mary of the Angels cradle of Franciscan Order

The great shrine that we see when we arrive in Assisi, Italy, was built in the 16th century. Inside, encased like a precious gem, we find the humble little church of the Portiuncola, cradle of the Franciscan order (Note: the name Portiuncola means "small portion of land"). Indeed, after repairing two churches, Francis repaired the Church of St. Mary of the Angels and began the Order of Friars Minor there.

It was there that the first "chapters" or assemblies of friars were held. It was also here that the saint died, in 1226. 

Here is an account of St. Francis' arrival there:

"St. Francis of Assisi went to a place called the Porziuncola, where formerly a church had been erected in honor of the blessed Mother of the Savior; but this church was then deserted and no one tended it. The man of God, moved by such neglect and inspired by his ardent love for the Queen of the world, returned frequently to repair his temple. But having learned that, according to the name of this church called Mary of the Angels, the holy angels often appeared there, he settled there entirely out of respect for these heavenly spirits and out of the particular devotion he had to the Mother of Jesus.

Our saint always loved this place more than any other in the world: it was here that he laid the foundations of a perfect life, here that he advanced marvelously in virtue, here that he consummated his course with a blessed death, and when he died he recommended this place to his brothers as truly dear to the Virgin.

A holy religious had a vision on this subject, before he died, which is worthy of note. Around this church he saw an innumerable multitude of blinded men, on their knees and with their faces turned towards heaven. All raised their hands and cried out tearfully to God, imploring his mercy and asking for his light. Then a bright flame from heaven spread over them, lighting their eyes and bringing them the salvation they longed for.

It was in this place that St. Francis began to establish the Order of Friars Minor, having been prompted to do so by a heavenly revelation."(1)

Marian Encyclopedia

(1) Saint Bonaventure, Legend of Saint Francis, chapter II, § 20-21