I was reading the newspaper and I found an interesting note:

Cloned the little church of "La Porziuncola", a little chapel repaired by St. Francis of Assisi in the XII - XIII century.
In San Francisco, California, the deputy mayor (Angela Alioto) was worried about possible closedown of the St. Francis Sanctuary and she decided to ask for help to the Archbishop Levada; The result was building up a copy of that small chapel.

It will be perfect in every possible aspect, even the stones were imported from the region Umbria (Italy) ... and, just like the original Italian one, pilgrims (in this case from all the US) will be able to obtain the Indulgentia Plenaria, all their sins will be remitted.

If anybody is not interested about religious aspects, people will surely be able to see a little piece of Medieval Italian Art in their "backyard" I say. ;D That chapel is a gem! I think it'll get the attention of many tourists, probably more tourists than pilgrims.

Here's the page where I got the informations (in Italian): Corriere della Sera - Assisi Clonata
Porziuncola is a term of endearment for "Small Part" or "Small Portion" ...


Inside


... and outside. The chapel is now encompassed by a bigger church, the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli (near Assisi, Umbria); it protected the sanctuary during the latest 400 years.


Santa Maria degli Angeli - Outside.