THE STORY: Through an error, St. Francis of Assisi visits a Jesuit University instead of a Franciscan Monastery five miles up the road. Jesuits and Franciscans are equally embarrassed, and both fear the publicity the supernatural visitor will being. While they argue, St. Francis converts the Jesuit football team to the simple way of life and clad only in brown tunics which make them 20 pounds lighter on the field, they win a spectacular victory over their rivals. But this game is televised around the world and the sight of American boys barefooted, in rags, causes international complications; Britain starts a “Bundles for America” campaign; other countries begin to pay their debts: Then the University Alumni, misunderstanding the situation, raise a billion dollars for their Alma Mater—which the Franciscans try to claim.
“THE BILLION DOLLAR SAINT scored a direct hit in its premiere performance. Nuns, priests, and laymen found the play clever, sometimes biting in its satire, but always in good humor and highly entertaining. The situation is wonderfully ludicrous.” —South Bend Tribune.
“Although Dr. White chooses farce for the confines of her talent there were some challenging ideas underlying the unusual situation. St. Francis is appalled at the massive structure of modern higher education. His appeal to the students to throw away all books seemed highly subversive to the Vice-Presidents of the University, but delighted the football team. Dr. White has a most engaging sense of humor and I have had the greatest enjoyment in rereading her plot.” —Catholic World.
