Never Take No for an Answer -- October 4, 2019

Focus, January, 1951

Today is the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Never Take No for an Answer (Peppino e Violetta) tells the story of Peppino, a young orphan from Assisi whose donkey, Violetta, falls ill. The veterinarian tells him that Violetta will surely die, but Peppino has great faith in Saint Francis. He wants to take Violetta to the crypt of the Basilica of Saint Francis, where the saint is entombed. Peppino believes that Francis will intercede and that Violetta will be cured. The priests won't let him take the donkey in, which would require removing a wall. Peppino walks to Rome to get permission from the Pope. He has a hard time getting past the Swiss Guards, but is able to get a letter from the Pope. Peppino walks back to Assisi and shows the letter to the priests.  They can't argue with the Pope, so Violetta visits the saint's tomb and is cured.

Focus, January, 1951