The Tumbler of God Opera by Steven D. Block Libretto by Stephanie Block Dedicated to Dietrich and Alice von Hildebrand, master tumblers Act I, Scene 1: The refectory in Stefano’s monastery During prelude, the monks process into the refectory for their meager evening meal, dipping begging bowls into a common pot and breaking off a piece of bread from common loaves before taking their places. Monks:
My Holy Lady Poverty, the Lord save thee. For my wealth, my spouse, I chose thee. Who can withstand thy generous measure of a man’s soul, shamed by thy treasure, shamed of ambition, shame of the world, thou, dearest bride, priceless pearl?
Stefano:
Old onions. Wormy bread. How can I serve God half-dead?
Monks:
My Holy Lady Poverty, the Lord save thee. For my wealth, my spouse, I chose thee. Sweet handmaid to thee, a gentle sister, Humility weaves her golden hair into a robe for a saint and there all virtues find themselves embroidered.
Stefano:
What charity can remain in a soul bereft of everything?
Monks:
My Holy Lady Poverty, the Lord save thee. For my wealth, my spouse, I chose thee. Ineffable joy to praise, to sing, to enjoy God with the whole being. Creation sustained, spun from nothing, with one duty, with one meaning: the purpose, the pleasure of glorifying the Lord of Hosts, our Father and King.
Prior:
(Grace)Benedicte munera tibi Domine dicata sanctifica, in nomine Patri et Filii et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.
Monks:
(sitting) Benedicte, Amen.
Prior:
Now we shall gather a small bouquet of little flowers to speed our way. Stefano, today it falls your honor to read to us about Juniper, that simple soul, our venerable brother.
Stefan:
(puts down his bowl, goes to the lectern, and reads.) “Such was his pity, such his compassion, he gave to the poor in whatever fashion – a sleeve or a cowl or some piece of his habit to any half naked poor wretch who could 1