Picking Up Where John Paul II Left Off

April 22, 2014 - 11:12 PDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY

He was an actor first.

BATTLE GROUND, WA (April 22, 2014) - That's the thing that first inspired actor and producer Leonardo Defilippis, when he began his dramatic ministry of Saint Luke Productions, where he's spent thirty-three years producing Christian live and film dramas.

Pope John Paul II, who's about to be canonized a saint of the Catholic Church, started out as an actor and never lost his love for the theater.

"I've been connected with him since those early days," explains Defilippis, "and was fortunate enough to actually meet him and receive his blessing on our work."

Since 1980, Saint Luke Productions has been inspired by the actor-pope to produce numerous DVDs and live productions that have been seen by millions of people all over the world.

But the connection to John Paul II really intensified when Defilippis produced the feature film "Thérčse," which was a grassroots success running in movie theaters more than a year and now widely distributed on DVD.

In 2003, Defilippis brought "Thérčse" to the Vatican for an official screening. While he was there, John Paul II blessed the actual film canisters used in the projection of the film.

But the Pope didn't see "Thérčse" then. A year later, Defilippis received a letter from some close friends of Blessed John Paul II, inviting him to Castel Gandolfo, the Pope's summer residence, to meet the Holy Father. The actor and producer jumped at the chance to share his film with his role model as an actor and producer.

Free Catholic PDF's - Home / Parish / School / Bulletin Inserts

He, his wife Patti and cinematographer Lourds Ambrose traveled to the medieval village of Castel Gandolfo where they naively hoped to bring the Holy Father to a movie theater and screen the film for him privately. But they soon discovered that the Pope was just too sick for anything of the sort. Their hosts offered them little hope of his seeing the film at all.

But then the three pilgrims remembered that they had a VHS copy of "Thérčse" -- perhaps these friends could bring it into the Holy Father at his papal residence and show it to him? They agreed. A day later, Defilippis was thrilled to learn that the Holy Father had, in fact, seen the film.

Saint Luke Productions has another reason to feel a close connection with Blessed John Paul II. They have produced dramas on two of the Polish saints he canonized in his pontificate: Saint Maximilian Kolbe and Saint Faustina Kowalska.

Together these three -- John Paul II, Maximilian and Faustina -- are called the modern-day "Apostles of Mercy."

Maximilian Kolbe, who died in the concentration camp at Auschwitz, sacrificing his life for another man, is the subject of the live and video drama, "Maximilian: Saint of Auschwitz."
Defilippis is convinced that Kolbe's connection to Pope John II runs very deep. "He died at Auschwitz in 1941 and just four months later, the young actor Karol Wojtyla decided to leave his theatrical ambitions behind and become a priest. I can't help thinking that in a mysterious way, Saint Maximilian paved the way for the world-shaking pontificate of John Paul II. Perhaps the Berlin Wall and the Soviet Union would not have collapsed without the sacrifice of Saint Maximilian Kolbe."

Defilippis has also recently produced a live multi-media production entitled "Faustina: Messenger of Divine Mercy," which tells the story of the Polish nun whose mystical visions of Jesus in the 1930's sparked a new worldwide devotion to God's mercy. The drama is currently playing in sold out venues all over the country.

How appropriate that John Paul II should be canonized on Divine Mercy Sunday, a feast that he instituted in response to the visions of Saint Faustina. This beautiful feast celebrates God's unbelievable love and generosity.

Actress Maria Vargo will perform the drama this Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27 at the Institute on Religious Life Conference at Mundelein Seminary outside of Chicago and then at numerous other locations throughout North America.

Shop Holy Cards

In addition to the saint's life, "Faustina" includes a present-day story of sin, suffering and forgiveness that is having a profound impact on audiences everywhere. Father Jim Parker, pastor of St. Mary's Church in DeKalb, Illinois, testifies to this:

"Since the show on Wednesday I have had an increase in confessions....There have been a number of moral miracles. These are greater than physical miracles."

In his 1999 "Letter to Artists," soon-to-be Saint John Paul II wrote:

"I appeal to you, artists of the written and spoken word, of the theatre and music... use your creative intuition to enter into the heart of the mystery of the Incarnate God and at the same time into the mystery of man....This is your task."

That's what Saint Luke Productions has been doing for 33 years: Carrying on the ambitions of a young Polish actor who left it all to become a priest and finally a pope.

"I am so grateful for his inspiration and now I count on his prayers from heaven to fulfill our mission of evangelizing through theater and the media," says Leonardo Defilippis. It looks like he's getting his wish, as the Saint Luke tour season fills and their shows play to packed audiences everywhere.

For more information and a calendar of performances for "Maximilian: Saint of Auschwitz," "Faustina: Messenger of Divine Mercy" and their other inspiring dramas and films, visit www.stlukeproductions.com or call 360-687-8029.

Interview availability includes:
• Leonardo Defilippis, Actor, Producer and Founder of Saint Luke Productions
• Patti Defilippis, Director and Writer of Saint Luke Productions
• Maria Vargo, Lead Actress, "Faustina: Messenger of Divine Mercy"

Interview contact: Janice Gonzalez, Media Relations for Saint Luke Productions, 360-487-9979; pr@stlukeproductions.com

###

Contact

Saint Luke Productions
http://www.stlukeproductions.com
WA, 98604 US
Janice Gonzalez - Media Relations , 360-487-9979

Keywords

John Paul II, Faustina, Divine Mercy, Maximilian, Saint Luke Productions, Leonardo Defilippis

Category

Catholic Church

Free RCIA classes for Students and Catechists from Catholic Online School

More Catholic PRWire

Showing 1 - 50 of 7,177

• « Prev
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• Next »

When Pope Francis Arrives in North America, There is Only One Network to Watch: EWTN Global Catholic
EWTN Global Catholic Network
September 16, 2015 - 5:17 PDT

GHIRELLI'S WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES ROSARIES NOW AVAILABLE
The Word Out | Marketing For Catholics
September 11, 2015 - 11:44 PDT

The Synod on the Family: Addressing the Instrumentum Laboris
Franciscan University of Steubenville
September 11, 2015 - 10:26 PDT

OCP Artist, Pedro Rubalcava, Writes Song for Pope Francis' Visit
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
September 10, 2015 - 2:50 PDT

Pre-Synod Conference unites Cardinals and men and women living with homosexual tendencies
September 09, 2015 - 2:58 PDT

The Rigging of a Vatican Synod
September 02, 2015 - 3:44 PDT

17 Cardinals and Counting
August 31, 2015 - 3:38 PDT

19th Annual Carnival Announced for St. Ann's Parish
August 28, 2015 - 9:20 PDT

The John Paul II International Film Festival Marks Its Five-Year Anniversary
August 27, 2015 - 6:09 PDT

OCP Pledges to Support the V Encuentro
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
August 27, 2015 - 2:51 PDT

Thu, Sept 24, 2015- Mass & Healing Service with Fr. Angelos Sebastian Our Lady of Grace Catholic Chu
August 26, 2015 - 4:03 PDT

Grief, Death, Eternal Life Explored in New Catholic Title by PBM
Pauline Books & Media
August 25, 2015 - 3:55 PDT

How do we live the truth in love when the culture says we're haters?
August 25, 2015 - 9:52 PDT

Right Next to Disneyland: Theater Meets Faith
Saint Luke Productions
August 19, 2015 - 1:29 PDT

OCP Parish Grant Program to Distribute $200,000 to U.S. Parishes
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
August 18, 2015 - 1:23 PDT

Franciscan University Joins With UK School to Offer Online Master of Catechetics Degree
Franciscan University of Steubenville
August 05, 2015 - 2:20 PDT

CONOR GALLAGHER NAMED PUBLISHER OF TAN BOOKS AND SAINT BENEDICT PRESS
Saint Benedict Press & TAN Books
July 20, 2015 - 12:49 PDT

Thérčse Drama Surprises Audiences
Saint Luke Productions
July 16, 2015 - 12:35 PDT

Catholic Press Association Honors Liguori
Liguori Publications
July 10, 2015 - 8:29 PDT

Crosier Order elects master general and councilors
June 26, 2015 - 2:06 PDT

Embrace your Faith

World Library Publications Honored With Three Paul Revere Awards
World Library Publications
June 23, 2015 - 4:11 PDT

Indie Catholic Authors June Ebook Sale Offers the Faithful 17 Books Outside the Mainstream
Four Waters press
June 23, 2015 - 12:10 PDT

Limitless Love in Action: First Steubenville Youth Conference Inspires Teens to Bring the Fire Home
Franciscan University of Steubenville
June 18, 2015 - 2:03 PDT

Franciscan University of Steubenville Athletic Director Enshrined in Sports Faith Hall of Fame
Franciscan University of Steubenville
May 29, 2015 - 1:53 PDT

AWARD-WINNING CATHOLIC AUTHORS TEAM-UP TO PROMOTE HEALING THROUGH FORGIVENESS
Pauline Books & Media
May 27, 2015 - 12:32 PDT

NY CONCERT FOR NEPAL 5/31
May 27, 2015 - 1:22 PDT

Who's responsible for designing the designer?
May 19, 2015 - 11:12 PDT

Thu, Jun 11, 2015- Mass & Healing Service with Fr. Bill Adams at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church
May 13, 2015 - 4:21 PDT

Your search for true happiness is over
May 05, 2015 - 1:22 PDT

ValLimar Jansen's latest album "a soulful experience"
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
April 30, 2015 - 1:33 PDT

Uncovering the roots (and branches) of the greatest revolution in the American Catholic Church
April 28, 2015 - 9:45 PDT

NYC May 8, 2015 Spring Fling Catholic Singles Mingle Fundraiser
The Catholic Fellowship
April 18, 2015 - 9:07 PDT

Thank A Nun Day
Image Books/Random House
April 15, 2015 - 12:32 PDT

#TweetingwGod dares young people to believe
April 14, 2015 - 9:54 PDT

Experience Beloved: Finding happiness in marriage
April 13, 2015 - 1:27 PDT

Archbishop Aquila, Dr. Edward Sri and other experts to participate in 'Beloved' telepress conference
April 07, 2015 - 4:51 PDT

Nobis Media, Marketing & Web Development Company
April 01, 2015 - 5:49 PDT

Catholic toymaker puts Faith in hands and mouths of babies: Pope Francis doll added to line of toys
The Word Out | Marketing For Catholics
April 01, 2015 - 3:48 PDT

Concert Series Concludes with Winthrop University World Percussion Ensemble
April 01, 2015 - 2:48 PDT

Birth Choice Health Clinics Announces Transition to Obria Medical Clinics and Plans for Expansion
March 28, 2015 - 10:43 PDT

We ask you, humbly, to help.

Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you. Help Now >

OCP releases expanded edition of Mass of the Sacred Heart
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
March 24, 2015 - 4:43 PDT

Archbishop Aquila, Dr. Edward Sri and other experts participate in 'Beloved' tele-press conference
March 21, 2015 - 11:57 PDT

Priest and Seminarian Join National Three-Point Contest to Benefit Marriage Ministry
Paradisus Dei
March 13, 2015 - 10:20 PDT

Shroud of Turin Exhibit At Holy Spirit Brighton
Holy Spirit Catholic Church and School
March 12, 2015 - 3:58 PDT

Flor y Canto campaign invites the Hispanic community to share their stories
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
March 11, 2015 - 4:40 PDT

Crisis Pregnancy Center Dream Becoming Reality
TRFC Inc.
March 10, 2015 - 6:36 PDT

Crisis Pregnancy Center Dream Becoming Reality
TRFC Inc.
March 09, 2015 - 7:04 PDT

Join RealOptions 2015 Walk for Life and 5K Run!
RealOptions Pregnancy Medical Clinics
March 09, 2015 - 2:40 PDT

New Orchestra Comes to Mary's Nativity Church
March 09, 2015 - 12:06 PDT

Paradisus Dei Offers New Marriage Program to Churches at No Cost
Paradisus Dei
March 05, 2015 - 6:25 PST

• « Prev
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• Next »