The Padre's Sacrifice (1913)
Father Curry, the kindly old pastor of a little country church, was believed by the members of his congregation, all of them poor hard-working people. The priest was poor, also, but his home was always open to the needy, and when a human being in distress came to the little parsonage for aid. It was cheerfully given. The old priest's one ambition was that someday he could replace the little organ which had done service in the church for many years with a splendid new instrument, which would render wonderful musical tributes to the Lord. The congregation was poor, and the priest never had any money himself, for his little salary was soon expended upon the parsonage and the wayfarers who constantly appealed to him for help. The family who stood the highest in the priest's esteem was that of Rafael, a young laborer. Rafael was a faithful attendant at the church with his wife, Maria, and their little son, Tony. He was a hard-working man and a devoted husband and father. Misfortune often comes to those who least deserve it, and soon it visited Rafael. His employer discharged him, he failed to get another situation, and, worst of all, his wife's sight began to fail her. "Only the great doctor in the city can save her, Rafael," the village physician said, sadly, "and it will take much money." Rafael, with a sinking heart, realized the truth of these words. He bought luxuries for his wife and did what he could, but her condition grew worse. The landlord, angry at Rafael's failure to pay his rent, threatened him with eviction. Then the afflicted man, half mad with desperation, cried out that there was no God, for if He really existed He would not let his innocent wife and child suffer. The priest, horrified, heard this terrible utterance, but could do nothing to aid him, as he was nearly as poor as Rafael himself. What little money he had he gladly gave to the family, but the amount that would restore Maria's sight could not be raised. The good priest prayed for aid for the little family and it came in a most unexpected way. A letter came in the mail from a rich family who had visited the village many months before, enclosing a check to be devoted to his church or to any worthy purpose he might see fit. The priest thought of the organ, of the glorious music it would render, and his heart was filled with joy. Then he thought of Maria, who might never see again, and their little son, Tony. Trained to think of his flock, to place their interests above all else, he made one of his greatest sacrifices when he decided to devote the money to Rafael and his family. The little home was saved. Maria went to the city, where her sight was restored to her, and Rafael, his faith restored, humbly asked forgiveness for his blasphemous utterance. The little old organ still furnished discordant music for the worshipers in the village church, and the priest often thinks of the magnificent organ which might have taken its place, but a glance at the happy faces of the little family is payment enough for his sacrifice.
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GenresShort
IMDbPro
See more details at IMDbPro
| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| William H. Brown | Director |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Lamar Johnstone | |
| Belle Bennett | |
| William H. Brown | |
| Theodore Bennett |
