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'Vianney'
Actor brings one-man show to archdiocese
by Robert Delaney of The Michigan Catholic
Published March 19, 2010
DETROIT – The story St. John Vianney, the 19th-century French priest chosen as patron for the Year for Priests, will be told in the dramatic one-man show, "Vianney," coming to the Archdiocese of Detroit March 23-26.
Actor-playwright Leonardo Defilippis was already working on a play about the life of the famous Cure d'Ars when Pope Benedict XVI announced plans for the Year for Priests under his patronage.
"The timing was providential," he says.
Defillippis says he finds the character of St. John Vianney endearing: "He was a truly eccentric character, wearing a ragged cassock, living on a diet of nothing but one potato a day, yet sparing no expense for the Church or his children. His love and concern for the salvation of every single person he encountered came through in his every word and action. There is an urgency in him that is extraordinarily compelling and convicting." Calling him "an amazing saint with a riveting story of perseverance," he adds. "Vianney is a real hero in the truest sense."
Defilippis has been performing "Vianney" for audiences across the country, including for the members of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. "I encourage my brother priests and laity to attend a performance of 'Vianney' during this Year for Priests," said Archbishop Allen Vigneron, archbishop of Detroit.
Performances will be given at four venues across the archdiocese:
Tuesday, March 23, 7 p.m. Sacred Heart Major Seminary, 2701 Chicago Blvd. at Linwood, Detroit. $10 a person; $30 a family (four or more); free for priests, seminarians, religious and deacons.
For ticket information, call (734) 283-9753 or (248) 549-9323 or e-mail vianney.Michigan@gmail.com.
Wednesday, March 24, 7 p.m. National Shrine of the Little Flower, 2100 W. 12 Mile Road at Woodward, Royal Oak. $10 a person; $30 a family (four or more); free for priests, seminarians, religious and deacons.
For ticket information, call (248) 541-5133 or e-mail jlynch@shrinechurch.com.
Thursday, March 25, 7 p.m. Sponsored by Downriver Vicariate at Davidson Middle School Auditorium, 15800 Trenton Road, Southgate. $10 a person; $30 a family (four or more); free for priests, seminarians, religious and deacons.
For ticket information, call (734) 283-9753 or or e-mail vianney.Michigan@gmail.com.
Friday, March 26, 7 p.m. St. Anthony Church, 4605 St. Anthony Road, Temperance. Admission: Free-will offering.
For more information, call Michelle at St. Anthony Parish, (734) 854-1143 or e-mail stanthony@bex.net.
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