Smallest of All

150^th Anniversary of Lourdes

Responding to Archbishop Burke's 2005 request, Theater of the Word, Incorporated will mark the 150^th anniversary of our Lady's apparitions at Lourdes with a production of St. Louis native Mother Mary Francis' play Smallest of All which shows how St. Bernadette as a 14 year old girl stood her ground with stubbornness, wit, humility, and faith in the face of cynicism, hostility, and skepticism from ecclesiastical and civil authorites, and ordinary folk. Archbishop Burke is a great fan of this play, and specifically requested the production.

Credo members may remember the founder and creative director of Theater of the Word, Kevin O'Brien, from the September Forum. And we know quite a few Credo members attended the first three shows at the Rigali Center. Credo board member Tom Leith will appear in Smallest of All as Jacomet, Lourdes' Chief of Police.

The show will be performed at the Rigali Center in Shrewsbury on two weekends in February; on Sunday the 17^th, and the entire weekend of the 22^nd. There will be a matinée both Sundays, and evening performances on the other days.

On Sunday February 24^th, Theater of the Word will hold its first fundraising event in St. Louis. After the performance, there will be a dinner and talk by Credo's friend, Fr. Joseph Fessio, on Reclaiming the Arts. Fr. Fessio and Ignatius Press have been great supporters of Theater of the Word. The price for the whole package: show, dinner, and talk is $35. But Fr. Fessio hopes you bring your checkbook. Space is limited, and tickets for the fundraising event are available only by calling Theater of the Word.

Evening performances are at 8:00, and the matinées are at 2:00. Doors open a half hour before the show. Tickets are available from Theater of the Word, Incorporated at 314-849-9673. $15 for all performances. Except for the fundraiser, tickets also available at all Metrotix locations, and on the Metrotix website , or charge by phone at 314-534-1111.