"God blesses those who step out in
trust and take risks for His sake." ~ Leonardo Defilippis
For thirty years, Saint Luke Productions has led a renewal
of Catholic culture through theater and the media by bringing professional
theatrical and feature film dramas on the life of Christ and His saints to
audiences of over one million people. The
apostolate began in 1980, when founder and Shakespearean actor Leonardo
Defilippis considered presenting the Gospel of Luke as a one-man production
that would tour churches in the northwest United States for one season. He
proceeded after being encouraged by Mother Teresa of Calcutta to “Do something
beautiful for God,” and audiences in
more than 100 churches were captivated by Defilippis’ performances.
Saint Luke Productions has grown into a professional
non-profit company whose ten live productions have toured the United States,
Canada, and Europe. Productions are
based on historical, scriptural, and modern-day stories that inspire audiences
to a deeper desire for the Truth of Jesus Christ. Its films and live dramas
have won numerous national and international awards, and have been aired for
decades on cable and network stations. Saint Luke Productions also educates and
encourages artists and young people by providing internships, workshops, and
employment in its office and production company.
While Saint Luke Productions’ vision is Catholic, people of all faiths have been touched, changed, and strengthened by the love of God manifested through its work. Leonardo and his wife Patti, a screenwriter, director, and speaker, established the production company within the context of family. As parents of seven children, they understand that a renewal of the culture is dependent upon a renewal of family life.
Saint Luke Productions formally celebrated its thirtieth anniversary in October and plans to commemorate its extraordinary milestone throughout 2012. Leonardo Defilippis is grateful and humbled to have spent his life bringing sanctity to the performing arts.
While Saint Luke Productions’ vision is Catholic, people of all faiths have been touched, changed, and strengthened by the love of God manifested through its work. Leonardo and his wife Patti, a screenwriter, director, and speaker, established the production company within the context of family. As parents of seven children, they understand that a renewal of the culture is dependent upon a renewal of family life.
Saint Luke Productions formally celebrated its thirtieth anniversary in October and plans to commemorate its extraordinary milestone throughout 2012. Leonardo Defilippis is grateful and humbled to have spent his life bringing sanctity to the performing arts.
"I could never have imagined," said Defilippis,
"that this vision of creating dramas and films on the greatest lives of
the human race, who have changed the course of history, would continue and
flourish in a world where religious art is not appreciated, or in many cases,
simply ignored."
Live Theatrical Performances
Live Theatrical Performances
While feature films have tremendous value because they reach
a much broader audience, Defilippis is partial to the more personal nature of
live theatrical dramas. The current Saint Luke Productions project Vianney is in its third year on a
nationwide tour. The performance is based
on the life of St. John Vianney, who was recognized by Pope Benedict XVI as a
model for all priests and laity. Defilippis is passionate about sharing the
valuable story of an ideal hero for our era; a priest who, he says, like
Christ, pours himself out with complete unselfishness and who never gives up on
a single soul. 
Vianney will continue to tour the United States, Canada, and internationally through 2012.
Priests and seminarians have reported the experience led to a re-examination of
conscience and of their priesthood. "Leonardo DeFilippis' portrayal of St.
Vianney in the Saint Luke Production Vianney
inspired me to learn more about the saint's love for Jesus. In turn, my love
for our Lord grew as I began to recite the St. John Vianney prayer and now I
ask daily for the saint's prayerful intercession as I continue my discernment
to the priesthood," said Gregory Piatt, seminarian for the Archdiocese of
Detroit at Blessed John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts.
Defilippis hopes the play also sparks new vocations. He sees
signs of hope in the many youth who have approached him following performances
with queries about the priesthood and religious life. “Christianity cannot
exist without the priesthood. Not to embrace the priesthood is not to embrace
Christ. In the end when you die, you will meet the priest, Jesus Christ,” said
Defilippis.Films
Saint Luke Productions launched a feature films division, Luke Films, in 2000.
Its most notable accomplishment is the feature film Thérèse, the story of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, which was shown in
mainstream movie theaters for an unprecedented 70 weeks. Thérèse was the first major motion picture distributed solely by an
independent Catholic film company. The film
continues to inspire numerous conversions and vocations on DVD.Other DVD productions include Maximilian: Saint of Auschwitz, Saint Francis: Troubadour of God’s Peace, John of the Cross, The Gift of Peace – First Six Chapters of St. Luke’s Gospel, The Passion According to Luke, Song of Songs, and Vianney Speaks.
Benedictus
MomentsThe new series Benedictus Moments, produced specifically for radio and the internet, offers daily installments of the Pope's written reflections. The meditations are presented by Leonardo Defilippis and seek to strengthen the understanding and insight of the Word of God and the rich legacy of sacred tradition through the teachings of the Holy Father, while sharing his messages with an even wider audience.
Vianney Speaks
The DVD Vianney Speaks was developed as a companion to the live dramatic
production Vianney. The reenactment of his inspiring sermons
and prayers deepens viewers’
understanding of the Catholic Faith. The illustration of his human frailty,
humility, and fervor underscore St. John Vianney’s great love for the souls
entrusted to his care, and fosters a greater understanding of how he converted
countless people through his personal holiness.
Talks
Saint Luke Productions also hosts one-day acting workshops that build awareness of the powerful spiritual impact of live theater and examine the importance of the dramatic arts in the Church. Individualized instruction in voice, movement, and character development is also provided. Acting workshops are open to those 12 and older.
Saint Luke Productions also hosts one-day acting workshops that build awareness of the powerful spiritual impact of live theater and examine the importance of the dramatic arts in the Church. Individualized instruction in voice, movement, and character development is also provided. Acting workshops are open to those 12 and older.
Leonardo and Patti Defilippis
continue their mission of renewing Catholic culture for those longing for
spiritual works of art that provide a personal encounter with Christ and His
saints.
“When I think back on how we started
and where we are today, I clearly see that God blesses those who step out in
trust and take risks for His sake. This is the miracle of faith and creation
itself," Leonardo Defilippis concluded.
For
information about Saint Luke Productions and their products, including a list
of their current, live performance locations for Vianney, or to bring Vianney
to your area, visit stlukeproductions.com or call
1-800-683-2998.
Images Copyright St. Luke Productions.
Images Copyright St. Luke Productions.
About the authors
Nancy Carabio Belanger is a Catholic publisher, speaker, and children's author at Harvey House Publishing, in the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Nancy Carabio Belanger is a Catholic publisher, speaker, and children's author at Harvey House Publishing, in the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Michele Bondi Bottesi is a psychologist, Catholic publisher, and
author at Joseph Karl Publishing, in the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Both are award-winning members of the Catholic Press Association.
Both are award-winning members of the Catholic Press Association.