Ponderables from the Poverello

On the Franciscan calendar, today is the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels of Portiuncula. The Franciscan breviary gives the following description for the day:

Our Seraphic Father Francis in keeping with his special love for the Blessed Virgin was especiall fond of the chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels known as the Portiuncula. It was here in the designs of Divine Providence that he started the Order of Friars Minor, inaugurated the Order of the Poor Clares and brought his sojourn on earth to its holy end. In this chapel according to tradition our Holy Father obtained the famous indulgence which the Supreme Pontiffs confirmed and extended to many other churches. On account of the many blessings confered here the celebration of a liturgical feast was granted for this day which marks the anniversary of the dedication of this chapel.

And now, even though we've used it before, today's ponderable from the Provello:

See to it, my sons, that you never leave this place. If you are driven out by one door return by the other for this is truly a holy place and God's dwelling. Here when we were few teh Most High increased our number; here he enlightened the hearts of his poor with the light of his own wisdom; here he inflamed our wills with the fire of his love. he who prays here with devout heart will obtain his request, and he who offends here will be punished more severely. Therefore, my sons, consider the place of God's dwelling worthy of all honor and with all your hearts, with loud cries of joy and thanksgiving praise the Lord in this place.