The Cure of Ars: a play

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

We know of the need for more priests for the future of the Church.

Besides prayers, here's an opportunity for you to personally lend support towards this essential cause. It can be your way of supporting Vocations Sunday - 7 May 2006.

This June 2006, Walk on Water Productions is presenting the life story of Jean Baptiste Marie Vianney, a man who lived from 1786 to 1859 in France and was canonised a Saint in 1925 by Pope Pius X for the miracle of his life.

The story we are going to tell is about a saint that many of us do not know. He is St. John Marie Vianney.

The story of his life is known by many in France and Europe. But somehow, we here don't know much about him.

As you know, each saint is a patron for something special, like St Anthony is the patron saint of lost things; St. Christopher, the patron saint of travellers; and St. Jude, the patron saint of hopeless cases.

St. John Marie Vianney is the patron saint of... Priests.

We have taken his life as the inspiration for a play, entitled The Cure. (Q Ray) "Cure" means pastor or shepherd. St. John Marie Vianney was much loved as a parish priest and remembered for his unique gifts which he used in the confessional.

The Cure also explores evil in our lives, the reality of it and how evil can be kept at bay or overcome.
St. John Marie Vianney was visited by the devil every day for 35 years.
The play is not a horror story, but it may be frightening to some.

This play also celebrates the great vocation of Priesthood.

For about 40 years of his life, John Vianney suffered from insufficient food and sleep to the point beyond sustainable life while committing his life to labouring incessantly for the less privileged, orphans and charities; yet with unfailing humility, gentleness, patience and cheerfulness even beyond his 73rd birthday. A simple man, his advice was sought by many including bishops, religious, youth, people in difficulties and the sick. By 1855, some 20,000 people a year would visit him to seek advice. It was said he could see through a person and "get it" about a person.

St. John Vianney is widely known for interceding in miraculous results in raising money for charities and food for orphans, for his supernatural knowledge of the past and future when speaking with people seeking his counsel and for interceding in miraculous healing of the sick, especially children.

On Fri 30th June and Sat 1st July 2006, the youth and adults of St. Anthony's Church will tell the story of this man onstage at Victoria Theatre.

Come see, discover and experience the life this man led. You won't get a chance to sleep in your chair. This man's place in history is worth telling.

This play would be a very pleasant after-dinner activity.

In addition to our play, there will be an art exhibition on our faith by members of our parish.

There will be a preshow session for the matinee show. You will be treated to a lively lecture on the history and development of Catholic art by practising Catholic artistes. The team will seek to expose the youths to the use of fine art, music, theatre and dance as a form of prayerful expression and how to use their God given talents and creativity to worship the Lord.

After the play there will also be a talk-back session with artistes involved in the play.

The tickets are going at only $20 and $22. All proceeds will go to our renovation fund.

Target particularly the youths: Student discount at $18/$20, only through Catholic schools and catechism block bookings.

For group bookings, buy 9, get 1 free.

Justina will be coming down to CJ this coming Wed from 11 a.m. - 2p.m. to sell tickets!

Caution: Strobe lighting and other effects will be used in the show. If you suffer from epilepsy or a weak heart condition, or can't take jolting surprises, please seek medical advice before attending.

Btw, if you're interested, the book The Cure of Ars by Fr. Bartholomew J. O'Brien is a very interesting and insightful book on the life of St. John Vianney. You can buy it for $15.