The Franciscan Friars Conventual welcomed 400 pilgrims to the Shrine of St. Anthony on Aug. 2, 2026, to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels (the Portiuncula) while also commemorating the 250th anniversary of Charles Carroll of Carrollton’s signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In his homily, Friar Michael Heine, OFM Conv., minister provincial of the Our Lady of the Angels Province, reflected on the Portiuncula, the small chapel of St. Mary of the Angels near Assisi that became the heart of St. Francis’ life and the birthplace of the Franciscan Order. He reminded the congregation that God often chooses humble people and humble places to accomplish extraordinary things, pointing to the Portiuncula, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Francis as enduring examples of God’s work through simplicity and openness.
Friar Michael also reflected on the significance of Aug. 2, 1776, when Charles Carroll, the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence, signed the historic document. While celebrating Carroll’s important contribution to the founding of the United States, he also acknowledged the complexity of Carroll’s legacy, including his ownership of enslaved people, emphasizing that the Gospel calls Christians to continually seek the freedom and dignity that come through Christ.
The homily concluded by highlighting the unique history of the Ellicott City property. Carrollton Hall, originally built by Charles Carroll for his granddaughter, eventually became a Franciscan novitiate where generations of friars were formed before the site was transformed into today’s Shrine of St. Anthony. Friar Michael noted that what was once an estate associated with privilege and slavery has become a place of prayer, formation, hospitality, education, pilgrimage, and reconciliation.
The celebration invited those gathered to embrace the humility of St. Francis and the faithful “Yes” of Mary, trusting that God continues to transform lives and history through ordinary people who open their hearts to his grace.
