The Knights of Saint Francis have guarded the Porziuncola Nuova Chapel at the National Shrine of Saint Francis for over ten years. The rector, John La Riva recently closed the little chapel, for no apparent reason, and as a result it is no longer open to members of the public.

The Knights of Saint Francis request that the Archbishop direct the rector to reopen the Porziuncola Nuova. We also request that the  Archbishop review the recent actions of the rector towards the Knights of Saint Francis and towards the public, for his possible removal from the National Shrine of Saint Francis.