January 11, 2010

 “Year of the Priesthood” Performance to Be Presented at BCU

Sioux City, Iowa – The live theatrical one-man drama “Vianney,” performed by Leonardo Defilippis, will be presented at 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, in the Chapel of Our Lady of Grace on the Briar Cliff University campus at 3303 Rebecca Street in Sioux City.

This production is touring the U.S. as a part of the worldwide celebration of the “Year of the Priesthood,” declared by Pope Benedict XVI, who has chosen Saint John Vianney as the patron of the year 2010 and of all the priests. This free public event is suitable for ages nine and older. The Vianney production at Briar Cliff is made possible by the generosity of Dr. John and Carol Wolpert.

John Vianney, commonly known as the Curé of Ars, lived in the era following the French Revolution, which had decimated the Catholic faith in France. A poor peasant, incompetent in his studies of Latin and theology, Vianney was ordained because of the shortage of priests. He was sent off to the obscure village of Ars, where the people had fallen into decadence, crime and debauchery. In his determination to save every single soul put into his care, he encountered tremendous resistance.

“I find the character of John Vianney extremely endearing,” said Defilippis. “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. His love and concern for the salvation of every single person he encountered came through in his every word and action. His sense of urgency is extraordinarily compelling and convicting.”

Defilippis is best known for his direction and starring role in the feature film “Thérèse.” For 30 years, his non-profit company, Saint Luke Productions, has produced live, film and television dramas on the scriptures and the lives of the saints. The award-winning Saint Luke Productions has toured the U.S., Canada, and Europe, performing live shows to audiences totaling more than one million people.

For more information call 712-279-5405 or visit www.vianneydrama.com.

Briar Cliff University is a Catholic institution with an enrollment of more than 1,100 students from 28 states. Students are educated in the Franciscan tradition of excellence in the liberal arts and career preparation in an environment of care and compassion. For more information, please visit briarcliff.edu.

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