THE SMALL MIRACLE

by Paul Gallico ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 18, 1952

Paul Gallico has the gift for sharing the message of faith which the world needs. He did it in which brought help to many in sorrow. This time- in the message that faith is not a perquisite of riches and power, but rather of the poor and faithful and loving, he again shares his own confidence. Pepino was a small, ragged boy of Assisi; Violetta his beloved donkey. And Violetta was ill, near to death. Pepino felt that his beloved Saint Francis alone could save her -- but the doubting mortals who stood between blocked his efforts- the monk at the gate, the Supervisor within, even the Bishop who wanted to offer platitudes instead. Only his parish priest kept his courage slive- that and the motto left him by an American soldier- never accept No for an answer. So Pepino goes to Rome- and again meets difficulties- but difficulties that somehow disappear before the supreme faith of a ragged boy. Permission is given, by the Pope himself. And Pepino-and his donkey are granted entrance to the crypt, by way of a long-closed door. At the moment when passage is prepared, the donkey kicks a loosened brick- the wall gives way- and, there, concealed some 600 years, is the shabby box bearing Saint Francis' initial and holding the simple symbols of a simple faith, a frayed bit of rope, a flower, a bird's feather. Here again- the small miracle reminding men today that faith and love and poverty are all powerful. Whether Pepino gets his wish- or achieves the act of giving- left to the reader. A small book-which will gain momentum through the popularity of the moving picture.

Pub Date: Sept. 18, 1952

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1952

Categories: FICTION