Contact: Janice Gonzalez, 360-487-9979, pr@stlukeproductions.com
VANCOUVER, Wash., June 10 /Christian Newswire/ -- There are likely few people who can confidently state that they have experienced the Year for Priests more intensely than most. Perhaps most surprisingly, it was not a priest. Acclaimed actor Leonardo Defilippis of Saint Luke Productions (http://stlukeproductions.com/) is that man, the star of the theatrical one-man, live drama VIANNEY (http://vianneydrama.com/) which has been on a successful nationwide tour since August of 2009. An actor, husband and family man, Defilippis clearly understands why Pope Benedict XVI will proclaim St. John Vianney as the patron of all priests at the ceremonies marking the finale to the Year for Priests in Rome.
In just ten short months, Defilippis brought the riveting story of John Vianney, the priest who valiantly battled the devil to save souls, face-to-face with audiences which now total 80,000 -- making it one of the most popular plays in the country. And in theatrical numbers, that is something to note. Not only did church goers turn out in record numbers, but bishops, priests, seminarians and religious orders did so as well, which was unprecedented. Beyond the numbers and the focus on priests, there was another undercurrent moving - Defilippis witnessed the fruits of the Year for Priests firsthand, and what he experienced was unexpected.
When Defilippis would routinely offer a few remarks following the show which included asking audiences to be grateful for and to pray for their priests, the people cheered in long, standing ovations. "They were cheering for their priests and they were cheering for John Vianney. At times, it was difficult to get them to settle down," Defilippis added. When they saw this example of a priest through the portrayal of VIANNEY, it touched on a hunger deep inside -- the bottom line is that they want that kind of priest. People want to have a pastor who will truly sacrifice his life -- beyond all comfort and concern for himself.
The itinerant actor who also spent himself, often working 18 hours days with traveling and performing, got a taste of that sacrifice, but it was worth it. He believes that this infusion of fervor and zeal which he witnessed firsthand is exactly what is lacking today and, this may just prove to be the proverbial 'shot in the arm' which the priesthood needs. "Pope Benedict XVI knows the root of the solution to the problems of the priesthood -- it can be found in John Vianney himself. He is the boldest defense of the priesthood." In fact, many do not realize that upon proclaiming the Year for Priests, the Pope clearly stated that he chose this year in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the death of this beloved saint "to deepen the commitment of all priests to interior renewal for the sake of a more forceful and incisive witness to the Gospel in today's world."
It turned out that St. John Vianney was not very well known to many in the pews, pulpit or press, so the timing of the live drama was right on target. VIANNEY became an inspiration to priests who were deeply moved, some to tears. Parishioners discovered a new appreciation for the priesthood and felt a renewed sense of importance to earnestly pray for their priests. In many locations, the VIANNEY drama became tied to a larger spiritual event, incorporating the Sacraments of Eucharistic Adoration and Confession, a unique phenomenon never witnessed before in association with a drama.
This fast-paced production also had a tremendous attraction for the youth. Young people loved the story of a true hero willing to sacrifice for a cause worth fighting, especially against the terrifying image of the devil, a real satanic presence that appeared consistently to provoke Vianney. Young ladies were also quite drawn to the major character of St. Philomena who represents hope and purity to counterbalance the evil in the world.
VIANNEY (http://vianneydrama.com/) also became a tool for vocations. Defilippis states, "It became almost routine to expect a young man to approach me afterwards and indicate that he felt the calling to discern the priesthood." Father Jerry Vinke, Director of Vocations in the Diocese of Lansing called the production "a great boost for vocations." He added, "As some young man told me afterward, 'how could you not think about the priesthood after watching (the play).'"
Defilippis is grateful to have made a unique contribution to this jubilee year. "Bringing sanctity to the performing arts is so important for our times and this moving production has the real potential to strengthen and convert the people -- that's the beauty of live drama. So let us pray as thousands of priests gather from all points across the globe at the Vatican to offer solidarity to the Catholic priesthood with Pope Benedict XVI. This will be a sight to long remember, when a simple and once unlikely-to succeed pastor of the past will be held up forever for his holiness, his sacrifice and his perseverance against all odds. St. John Vianney truly speaks to our modern world."
VIANNEY (http://vianneydrama.com/) will continue on tour in the U.S., Canada, and internationally for another year. There has even been interest from Rome to perform at several venues in the future, and for the Holy Father himself. For a complete list of performance locations, and for information on bringing this professional production to your church or community, visit www.vianneydrama.com or call 1-800-683-2998.
