By Almudena Martínez-Bordiú
ACI Prensa Staff, Jan 16, 2025 / 15:45 pm
A captivating musical that narrates the inspiring story of St. Bernadette, the visionary of Our Lady of Lourdes, made its grand debut in Rome on Jan. 14. The premiere was a special event exclusively for 1,600 individuals from low-income families.
The Papal Almoner’s Office, led by Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, extended invitations to over a thousand low-income individuals and refugees to attend the musical at a prestigious auditorium on Via della Conciliazione, the grand avenue leading to St. Peter’s Square.
Guests eagerly presented their tickets, distributed at local soup kitchens and communities, to witness this live performance that had previously captivated audiences in France. Starting Jan. 16, the musical will officially join the 2025 Jubilee of Hope program.
Following the musical, members of the Missionaries of Charity order, founded by St. Teresa of Calcutta, generously provided each guest with a bag of food.
Krajewski shared with Vatican News that it is touching to offer the premiere experience to the underprivileged, reinforcing the belief that prioritizing the marginalized aligns with Gospel teachings.
Fatima Lucarini, the musical’s producer in Italy, expressed her heartfelt desire to present the premiere to the impoverished population of Rome. This initiative was made possible after a private meeting with the Holy Father on Dec. 12, 2024, at the Vatican.
The musical will be accessible to pilgrims visiting Rome during the Jubilee of Hope for a month. Subsequently, the show will travel to other Italian cities, including Naples, Bari, and Turin.
