The musical-drama group of the parish of St Joseph the Worker in Sisak, Messengers of the Great King, has staged a musical to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi (1226-2026), titled "Saint Francis – Knight of the Heart". This is a scenic journey intended for both children and adults.
The performance follows the spiritual and emotional transformation of Francis of Assisi (1181-1226), from a playful boy to the founder of one of the most recognisable spiritual traditions in the West. The first part presents bright, rhythmic images of childhood, while the world gradually changes in the silence of the church of San Damiano, where Francis first hears a voice calling him to renewal. The encounter with a leper becomes a key turning point, a moment when fear turns into mercy, while the conflict with his father Bernardone and renunciation before the bishop represent Francis's public transition to a new identity.
The second part of the musical offers poetic vignettes: the sermon to the birds, the taming of the wolf of Gubbio, and contemplative moments at La Verna. The final scene brings all the characters together in a shared song of "Peace and Good". The performance is structured through ten scenes: "Little Francis – Knights' Games", "I Dream of a Knight Within", "Voice in the Silence", "The Churches Need a Friend", "Encounter with the Leper", "Conflict with Father Bernardone", "Renunciation before the Bishop", "Clare Comes to Francis", "Preaching, Hymn and Stigmata", and "Peace and Good to the World".
The lyrics are by Branko Bardun and Fr Ivan Bradarić, the music by Branko Bardun and Matea Bardun, and the arrangements by Iva Bardun, Matea Bardun and Branko Bardun. Fourteen children aged 8 to 15 take part in the musical, having prepared daily for this project since June this year. The creative team and technical support include around fifteen adults.
The general rehearsal will take place on Friday 25 September at 20.00 in the pastoral hall of the parish of St Joseph the Worker in Galdovo. Performances will follow throughout September – a preview, premiere and shows – and performances from 5 to 8 October.
