'Peace Troubadour' To Visit West Village Homeless And Their Pets

WEST VILLAGE, MANHATTAN — An author and performer who is traveling in the name of the patron saint of animals will visit the Village later this month to bless the pets of New York City's homeless and offer them free tickets to his shows.

James Twyman, a New York Times best-selling author and "Peace Troubadour" performer, is culminating a nation-wide tour of his musical based on the life of St. Francis of Assisi with 10 days of shows at The Church in the Village on West 13th Street, he announced.

But before he takes the stage for the "Brother Sun, Sister Moon" musical, Twyman will "walk in St. Francis' shoes" by handing out free tickets and pet treats to homeless in the neighborhood.

“I want to get as close to how St. Francis would have done this as possible," Twyman said. "He would have wanted people of every group to come together, not just those who can afford the ticket."

An ordained Franciscan Hermit, Twyman's tour of the country includes inhabiting the character of St. Francis, who gave up a life of wealth in order to serve the poor, by traveling "penniless" and counting on those who live in the places he visits for transportation, housing and sustenance.

In each city — which so far has included Portland, Santa Fe, Chicago, Cleveland and others — Twyman invites the homeless to his show with free tickets and serves them a meal before the performance. He also gives their pets treats and invites them to an animal blessing, which in the New York City line-up will be held at 1 p.m. Feb. 20.

"...Before each performance begins we’ll share a meal of soup and bread together, both the paid ticket holders as well as the guests," Twyman said.

The tour is the latest venture for the author and filmmaker, who also has a background in performing "peace concerts" around the world.

Here's what you need to know to catch his pass through the Village:

What: James and his volunteers will hand out free tickets to the homeless to attend his one-man musical on the life of St. Francis, “Brother Sun, Sister Moon,” each morning of the show. Each show begins with a free meal. James will also hand out treats for pets of the homeless, and invite them to a blessing of the animals 1 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Church in the Village.

Where: The Church in the Village, 201 W 13th St, New York, NY (212) 243-5470

When: Each morning before the shows, Feb. 20-23, Feb. 27-29, and March 1

Why: St. Francis is considered the patron saint of animals, and was known for his compassion for the poor. An ordained Franciscan Hermit, James has been traveling across America since Jan. 4, portraying St. Francis and presenting “Brother Sun, Sister Moon” in 17 cities.