St. Mary’s Mission will hold a celebration to commemorate the 200th birthday of Father Anthony Ravalli, for whom Ravalli County is named.
On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Father Anthony Ravalli, the staff at St. Mary’s Mission and Museum invites you to celebrate the legacy of this remarkable man on Wednesday, May 16. Antonio Ravalli was born May 16, 1812 in Ferrara, Italy. The genius of Father Ravalli left an indelible mark on the state of Montana. Enjoy birthday cake from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. plus reduced rates on guided tours of the St. Mary’s Mission Complex.
A new book released by Stoneydale Press and Valley Drug of Stevensville, “Father Anthony Ravalli, S.J.”, will be available in St. Mary’s Gift Shop. The book contains a complete memoir of Fr. Ravalli by L.B. Palladino, S.J. written in 1884. Local author Jeanne O’Neill’s chapter is titled, “A Great Good Man,” along with a writing by Sondra Sieg called, “Leonardo of the Rockies.” Included is a commentary by Carlo Ravalli, from Ferrara, Italy, upon the induction of Fr. Ravalli into the Gallery of Outstanding Montanans. Also included is a collection of historical photographs.
A new exhibit will also be unveiled in the museum.
Fr. Ravalli’s Birthday Party will be held at St. Mary’s Visitor Center, west end of 4th Street, Stevensville. For more information call 777-5734.