April 21, 2010

Local parishes to host one-man show 'Vianney' in May

By Julie Filby

As part of the Year for Priests’ celebration, the national tour of the theatrical drama “Vianney” is coming to Denver and Colorado Springs May 16-20. This intimate one-man stage production, starring actor and director Leonardo Defilippis, relays the story of St. John Vianney, the patron saint of priests.

“Vianney” opens amidst the French Revolution where an emerging government is attempting to stamp out religion. A simple peasant priest, Father John Vianney, is assigned to Ars—a village of rampant secularization, materialism and anti-religious sentiment. Though he is met with much resistance, the zealous new priest is determined to restore the faith in the village.

“There were all kinds of attacks on the Church in his day, by atheists and secularists—St. John Vianney set out on a project of holiness to counter that,” said Denver Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley, who described “Vianney” as “remarkable” after seeing it at the U.S. bishops’ conference last November.

Ultimately the townspeople began to listen to the pastor and started praying and changing their lives.

“His own prayer life and example of holiness transformed the parish,” said Bishop Conley.

Throughout his ministry the priest was tormented by the devil—who also appears in the play. While Defilippis is the sole actor, a high-tech multimedia experience incorporates different characters and symbolic images, such as the devil, through projected videos and images.

“The devil really went after St. John Vianney, and his battles with evil are portrayed very powerfully,” said Bishop Conley. “It’s very dramatic—a lot of interesting audio-visual effects.”

Since its August 2009 premier, more than 52,000 audience members have seen “Vianney.” By touring the country Defilippis hopes to create a unified Vianney movement that renews clergy, inspires laity and increases vocations to religious life.
“The play will not only encourage vocations to the priesthood,” Defilippis said. “It will also strengthen and encourage all vocations within the life of the Church.”

The production helps restore an understanding of the dignity, mystery and beauty of the priesthood.

“The scandals that have wracked the Catholic Church have damaged the reputation of the priesthood, and have tainted the public’s understanding of what it means to be a priest,” said Defilippis. “I think we are ready for a breath of fresh air, a celebration of all the good, faithful priests who give their lives for their flock.”

The saintly priest’s model of conversion in a time of religious apathy can serve as a model for renewing the Church today.

“It is my prayer that the drama will promote a return to the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and reconciliation,” Defilippis said. “Through restoration of all these aspects of the faith, I believe we’ll see a real renewal of fervor in parishes and dioceses all over the United States.”

Defilippis’ company, St. Luke Productions, has been dedicated to evangelization through theater and the media since 1980. Previous works from the ministry include “Thérèse,” “John of the Cross” and “Maximilian: Saint of Auschwitz.”

“Vianney” will be presented at five parishes in the dioceses (see front page for details). It is recommended for audiences age 9 and up. For more information, visit www.viannneydrama.com or contact one of the parishes listed.

 "VIANNEY"

All Souls Church, 4950 S. Logan St., Englewood
Date: 7 p.m. May 16
Admission: Free-will offering
Call: 303-789-0007

St. Mary Church, 533 E. Main St., Aspen
Date: 7 p.m. May 17
Admission: Free
Call: 970-925-7339

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 5450 S. Lemay Ave., Fort Collins
Date: 7 p.m. May 18
Admission: Free-will offering
Call: 970-226-1303 Ext. 18

St. Mary Church, 2222 23rd Ave., Greeley
Date: 7 p.m. May 19
Admission: $7 per person, clergy and religious free
Call: 970-352-1724

Holy Apostles Church, 4925 N. Carefree Circle, Colorado Springs
Date: 7 p.m. May 20
Admission: Free
Call: 719-866-6492