Summer 1998 Newsletter |
John's Gospel Live and Thérèse
Video by Leonardo Defilippis
Family Reflections by Patti Defilippis
Television Interviews
Heavenly Productions
by David Reinhard, The Oregonian
Thank You Stephen Little
Thank You To Our Volunteers
Saint Luke Needs You
Saint Luke Update
Current Schedule
| John's Gospel Live and Thérèse Video by Leonardo Defilippis |
| Dear Friends in Christ, "I was wondering," asked the curious and enthusiastic voice on the phone, "when are you going to do a video of Thérèse? I want a copy when you do." It's a natural question. Last fall we opened the live show on Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, and the production is touring the country receiving a tremendous audience response. Of course the next step is to produce a video of this drama so that Thérèse's little way of approaching God through the simple sacrifices of daily life can touch more souls. We are also planning a new live drama to tour the country. As we approach the year 2000, the thought keeps coming to me that we should honor Jesus in the Holy Trinity with a new adaptation of the GOSPEL OF JOHN, the Gospel most focused on the Love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thirteen years ago we originally toured the Northwest with a version of this drama, which was very powerful. I want to give the rest of the country an opportunity to experience this profound Gospel in a live drama. We are beginning the process of fund raising, planning and prayer to make these dreams a reality. Actually my wife Patti and I feel like working in the garden and having a summer off after an arduous year of production and touring. We are, to a certain extent, doing that - but this "break" is also a time of reflection. We need to look ahead because God is doing tremendous things with Saint Luke Productions, and we want to continue this mission. We certainly are not the most talented actors, nor very experienced in producing, fundraising, or marketing. Much of the time we seem to be doing things in the most difficult way and usually backwards, in the midst of our busy family life with our six kids. We try hard not to let our incompetence and impossible situation stop us, but just plunge right in and give it everything we've got, however little that might be. All of these obstacles have been ordained by God, so that we might realize that any beauty or truth that is found in our work is achieved by God Himself and not by our weak selves. Anyway, on an eternal scale it doesn't matter if we succeed or not. In the end the only thing that matters is the sanctification of our own souls. As this ministry grows we are overwhelmed with responsibilities of producing, touring, marketing, fundraising, office work, yardwork, family, and oh yes I almost forgot - prayer. We need your help on so many different levels. We need prayers that we can stay focused on Jesus and His Will, that we will not become distracted by all these daunting tasks, but will stay peaceful. In addition we need the help of talented professionals who share our vision and can move this organization forward. If you have experience in any of the above areas, please consider becoming a part of our ministry. Please join us also as a financial partner in this dramatic work. These projects are all very expensive, but they are doing so much good by bringing the Gospels and the lives of the saints to life in an immediate way. We need you. Please help us with your financial contribution. Saint Luke Productions is a small grassroots organization, but we can have a great impact with your support for our Catholic live and video dramas. Together let us do something beautiful for God. God bless you,
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| Family Reflections by Patti Defilippis |
| This last week with Leonardo gone on tour I was really at the end of my rope. I was
yelling at the kids all the time and on the verge of tears. On Friday as I was helping ten
year old Francis with his math, I was filled with frustration and anger at myself for how
inadequate I felt at fulfilling all the varied tasks of motherhood. So I went into my room to think. When I came out I said impulsively to the kids, "Let’s get out of here. Why don’t we go to the beach for a night?" They couldn’t believe their ears. Here was there mother, angry a minute ago, now suggesting something totally fun and outrageous. So they scurried around packing up an assortment of clothes and beach toys, grabbed some food out of the cupboards, and within an hour we were off. We had a great time and at the end I asked them what they liked best, and they answered, "Watching movies...flying kites... running on the beach...Mom, what did you like best?" I thought for a moment and answered, "Watching you." And that was the truth. It gave me such joy to see them playing in different combinations, let loose from the confines of their daily lives, totally free. I’m so glad I went, not just because we all needed a breather. But also because I needed to do something surprising, to realize that I have the freedom to break out of the cycle of frustration that a busy and full life place upon me. Thank you Lord for the inspiration to enjoy my children and find a moment of peace at your beautiful seashore. |
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| Heavenly Productions by David Reinhard, The Oregonian |
| It’s Saturday night at the movies, and I’m in a Portland cinema watching
some actor named Leonardo Di-something-or-other in a sumptuously photographed, beautifully
scored epic romance. Except the actor in my Saturday night entertainment isn’t Leonardo DiCaprio, the movie isn’t "Titanic," and the film’s production costs are closer to $200,000 than $200 million. It’s the Portland premier of "John of the Cross," starring Leonardo Defilippis and produced by his Saint Luke Productions of Beaverton. Still, I wouldn’t swap tickets for a moment, and the reason has as much to do with Saint Luke Productions’ inspired counter-cultural vision as the beauty of Defilippis’ latest film. Saint Luke Productions - a one-family ministry more than a media company - stand as a sweet and loving rebuke to our current entertainment culture. It makes its way from one production to another on a shoestring and a prayer - actually, the financial contributions and the prayers of many small supporters. And his cinematic romances are not between men and women, clothed or unclothed. They are, instead, beautiful and abiding romances of the spirit, the torrid love affairs exceptional men and women have had with their God: Saints Augustine, Francis, Therese of Lisieux and Maximilian Kolbe, the priest who stepped forward to take the place of a husband and father condemned to death by starvation at Auschwitz. The result: a film that Defilippis believes could speak to Catholic and non-Catholic audiences alike. There was John’s mystical contemplation of God and his inspired poetry. There is, as well, the 16th-century saint’s simple insight - an insight reflected in his life’s words and works - that, as Defilippis says, "one has to embrace suffering in the most minuscule ways." "I think this man has something to say to our age," says the actor-producer, though he acknowledges: "These are two areas of our existence that we do not like to think about." True enough. These days, Hollywood isn’t turning out blockbusters about people who take - and keep - vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience - much less delight in suffering. Far from it. As another poet, T.S. Eliot, remarked earlier in our own century, "Paganism holds all the most valuable advertising space." Or, the biggest production budgets. All of which should make Saint Luke Productions intriguing to nonbelievers and in the end, inspiring to believers. Here is a man and a family and production company that are counter-cultural in the truest sense of the term. They’re pushing back against the culture and, for that matter, the world. Not something every man or artist with a wife and six children has the courage and faith to do today. Productions of any quality don’t come cheap, and not a lot money comes in when Defilippis is not on the road doing his one-man shows. Small miracles, not mega-deals or National Endowment for the Arts grants, make Defilippis’ works possible. "The Lord, I think, provides," says Defilippis. "We’re just trusting that it will all work out." So far it all has. "John of the Cross" is a rich testament to that faith. After almost two decades and six projects - one for each child - the two former actors at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival have achieved what they set out to do upon leaving the Ashland company. They have fulfilled the injunction of Mother Teresa in a 1980 letter to them: "Do something beautiful for God." They have, and don’t plan to stop, even if Hollywood never comes calling. As John of the Cross said to the nuns who hid him from his oppressors in the Carmelite brotherhood, "Be strong in your heart against all things that move you to that which is not God, and for Christ’s sake love suffering." An exquisite mission statement, it seems, for the Defilippis family’s Saint Luke Productions. |
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| Television Interviews |
| It is one thing to produce a drama, but another thing to communicate it to the
world . We usually rely on local sponsors to get the word out about our dramatic efforts,
but recently I was interviewed by the 700 Club on the Family Channel and also by Mother
Angelica of EWTN. Both of these were marvelous experiences for me personally because I was
able to share our vision with a much larger audience of all denominations. When I arrived at the 700 Club in Virginia Beach, VA I was struck first of all by the driver who picked me up from the airport. He had been a drug addict and dealer in New Jersey on the verge of death and destruction, when the Lord knocked him off his horse. He made a total 180 degree turn and is now married and the father of 10 children. We laughed all the way to the studio, as we discussed how all those kids were keeping him focused on the mercy of God. Joy and humility were being lavished upon him in abundance. At the studio the people were so down to earth and extremely personable. They were very interested in what we were doing, and sincerely wanted to see our work prosper and grow. I was interviewed by Lisa Ryan, co-host of The 700 Club and a former Miss California, who was very touched by the film on JOHN OF THE CROSS. We were in this huge studio with state of the art in equipment and crew everywhere and I was amazingly relaxed, because I was talking to a person who was a mother and wife sincerely concerned with the welfare of our culture, especially for the young. It was very encouraging and exciting to discover that the 700 Club organization was interested in the saints we were trying to perform. I was struck by the honesty and good-will of the entire staff. In Alabama, I met for the second time Mother Angelica, who had invited me on her program to discuss our newest film JOHN OF THE CROSS and the future of our ministry. She is an amazing person , full of mirth, mischief, and the strength and courage of a spiritual warrior, with an incredible story. After 40 years in a body and leg brace which kept her handicapped and in pain, the Lord suddenly and miraculously cured her a few months ago. Now she can not only walk once again, but dance. God is certainly full of surprises. In 17 years she has built one of the top 25 channel networks in the industry and one of the largest radio stations in the world. Our interview was translated instantaneously into Spanish by satellite throughout Central and South America and to Spain itself. Unbelievable! During the interview we had lots of fun and laughter, but at one point she looked me straight in the eye, and said, " People are afraid to take a risk these days and do something for God...You must continue this work." Then she turned to the camera, and asked those watching the program to help us out financially so that we can persevere with this ministry and not have to struggle all the time. She then put out a call to other actors and producers to contact us to build for the future. I thought at that moment - "What are you doing God? How are we going to respond to this challenge, when we are so small and with little resources or help?" Our Lord indeed has a plan, and instead of being anxious I must trust in the Providence and guidance of His Will. Thank You Father for being so gracious to me. Give me courage and wisdom to assist You in building the kingdom of Heaven on earth, no matter what the cost. |
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| Thank You To Our Volunteers |
| They come in a few hours each week, but what a difference their help makes!
Thank you to our volunteer staff Roy Guptill and Joe Shipman who have made our office a
brighter place with their wonderful willing sacrifice. A few words from Roy: "I was turned on to Leonardo when I first saw him perform Maximilian: Saint of Auschwitz. I was stunned, moved beyond words. I thought how great it would be to be a part of such meaningful work. I heard Rev. Thomas Keating, OSCO, say recently "Our culture is in the midst of an explosion of information, when what it seems to need is an explosion of meaning." Saint Luke Productions is helping that happen and I'm lucky to be a part of it. I've got four teenagers to love, and a precious miracle for a wife. But I also value my meaningful time with Saint Luke." Roy has been volunteering for over 2 years in our office and spends anywhere from an hour to 8 hours a week with us. Thank you Roy! Joe Shipman came to us in March of this year after reading the article "Heavenly Productions" in The Oregonian. Joe is 75 years old, has four children, 5 grandchildren, and a 5-year old great-granddaughter. He moved to Oregon after spending 35 years in New Mexico. Joe tutors 2nd graders once a week, and spends anywhere from 3 to 8 hours a week with us. He highly recommends volunteer work because, "There are so many companies like Saint Luke Productions that are in need of extra help. It makes it so worthwhile when you know you're helping a company truly in need of it." Many thanks to Joe for his time spent with us so far. If you are in the area, you can volunteer too. We could sure use help in the office, building and repairing sets, and of course, babysitting! Come and join us! |
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| Thank You Stephen Little |
| We have been blessed to have Stephen Little with our ministry this spring as
Leonardo's technical assistant. Stephen has been homeschooled all his life, and
graduates this spring from high school, with the plan of attending Franciscan University
or the University of Dallas in the fall. Please keep this talented and faith filled young man in your prayers. |
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| Saint Luke Needs You |
Please make a financial contributions to these new projects: THERESE: THE STORY OF A SOUL Video. Budget: $250,000 This new video will bring our powerful live drama to television audiences. Production planned for 1999. THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN Live Drama. Budget: $40,000 To be performed by Leonardo Defilippis for the celebration and the 2000 year anniversary of Christ’s birth, and also the 20th anniversary of Saint Luke Productions. Call for scheduling info. A NEW HOME FOR SAINT LUKE We need a facility that will encompass office, rehearsal space, storage, housing for young people, and a home for our family. Someplace out in the country around Portland, Oregon is our dream. Please pray for this intention and let us know if you can help. HELP WANTED: POSITIONS AVAILABLE FEMALE TECHNICAL ASSISTANT 19 years or older: Hard working and self-motivated young woman needed who is interested in dedicating a year of her life as the technical support person for the upcoming drama on Saint Therese. She will tour the United States with Maggie Mahrt as SAINT THÉRÈSE, operating the lights and sound, etc.MALE TECHNICAL ASSISTANT 19 years or older: Young man needed to travel with Leonardo around the country with all the different shows in his repertoire. His responsibilities will be similar to those of the THÉRÈSE assistant, and will encompass building sets, repairs, and other technical assignments.Both these young people must be open to living and working in a family environment, dedicated to the Church and their faith, and able to start work August 1, 1998. We will be offering room and board, as well as a small stipend. MARKETING DIRECTOR with the experience necessary to communicate our work and vision to a wider and more diverse audience. This person might also double as a producer for future films and plays. Salary negotiable. FUNDRAISER, GRANT WRITER to research and apply for grants and other sources of income to upcoming projects. Salary negotiable. Please send resume or letter with references to our address. |
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| Saint Luke Update |
STAY ON OUR MAIL LIST Do you enjoy our newsletter, and believe in our work? If so drop us a line - or even better, send a contribution or order a tape. We will soon be deleting names from our mailing list that we haven’t heard from in a few years. We don’t want to lose you, so keep in touch! |
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