On Oct. 9-12 several Colorado communities will have a chance for a one-of-a-kind experience. “The Gospel According to John,” a dramatic re-enactment of the New Testament Gospel, will be coming to at least three parishes for a limited engagement. The first of these dramatic presentations will be in Aspen at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 533 E. Main St., 7 p.m. Oct. 9. (Call 970-925-7339 or e-mail stmarysadultformation@gmail.com.)

The drama is said to cover the entire Gospel of John, word for word, from beginning to end. Since most people have never had the chance to read the entire Gospel in one sitting, this is a unique opportunity to be filled with the many graces John’s story of the life of Christ has to offer.
For the last 28 years actor Leonardo Defilippis has been answering a call to action. After writing to Mother Teresa of Calcutta in 1980, Defilippis received a response back in which she urged him to begin performing the Gospel. Her encouragement led the Shakespearean actor and his wife Patti to launch their career in a new direction.

Together, the pair has worked to produce seven live productions and six films on the Scriptures and the lives of the saints, including the popular 2004 feature film “Therese.”

The unique feature film based on the life St.Therese of Lisieux was miraculously produced almost entirely through the donations of those who love the saint and believe in the mission of St. Luke Films, Defilippis’ film production company.

In a phone interview, Defilippis spoke with the Denver Catholic Register during a break between rehearsals.

“Pope John Paul II asked that in the year 2000, the Year of Jesus, we should do Christ,” he said. “That is when I took on the Gospel of John, probably one of the greatest masterpieces of the entire Scripture.

“The sacraments are drawn out in the Gospel of John,” he said, “and Christ’s divinity and relationship to the Trinity are exposed there as well.”
Included in the Gospel of John, and brought to life in the dramatic presentation “The Gospel According to John,” are Christ’s words in the upper room, and the crucifixion and the resurrection.

Produced in the colorful and symbolic style of a Byzantine icon, “The Gospel According to John” is accompanied by a celestial musical score. The costumes are based on ancient sacred images.

Because the drama is taken word for word from the Bible, it transcends denominational barriers to draw people of all faiths together to see, likely for the first time, the entire Gospel of John brought to life before their eyes.

“What better way to get to know the life of Christ?” Defilippis said.
“The Gospel According to John” is a two-hour production and is suitable for audience members age 7 and up.

Other performances are set 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at St. Patrick Church, 6455 Brook Park Drive in Colorado Springs (call 719-866-6492);and 7 p.m. Oct. 12 at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 19099 E. Floyd Ave. in Aurora (call 303-690-6797 Ext. 318 or e-mail s.rieley@comcast.net). A sponsor is still being sought to offer a performance on Oct. 11. To secure that date, contact St. Luke Productions at 1-800-683-2998 or visit stlukeproductions.com online.

Prices vary for the scheduled performances. Contact the parishes for more information.