Defilippis performs “Vianney” in the Basilica Shrine at Holy Hill
On September 10 the Basilica Church of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians in Hubertus, WI was filled to its 1,000-seat capacity for the performance of Leonardo Defilippis' performance of VIANNEY, a 90-
minute dramatic presentation of the story of St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars. The production was written for the occasion of the Year of the Priest and has been touring throughout the U.S. A few simple props, a large screen with framed with curtains and some stage lighting were placed in the sanctuary for the performance. (The parts of other characters had been recorded and projected upon the screen for the purpose of dialogue with the characters played by Mr. Defilippis.) Fr. Donald Brick, OCD, the rector of the Basilica, welcomed all present and read a brief letter of welcome from Bishop William Callahan, O.F.M., the present administrator of the diocese (photo on left).
The story of VIANNEY outlining the life of this patron saint of priests is set against a "cosmic backdrop" from the very start with the continual, menacing interjections of the devil. These evolve over the course of the presentation, moving from annoying words of discouragement (e.g., "You are no more than a fool. You'll never be ordained.) toward outright threats of bodily harm and accusations of pride and fraudulence. They reveal the interior battle of the saint as well as the growing desperation of the evil one as the stakes grow larger and larger (i.e., with the salvation of increasing numbers of souls directly affected by the virtue and zeal of this simple priest). One was reminded of Paul's words to the Ephesians: "For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens" (6:12).
I know that we priests who were present in the front pews for the performance--both Discalced Carmelite and diocesan alike--were moved by this powerful recounting of a priestly life that was so fully given to Christ and to the Church. May more and more young men listen carefully and respond generously to the call to be priests after the Heart of the Good Shepherd. May we exercise our ministry humbly and faithfully!