Contact: Janice Gonzalez, Media Relations, Saint Luke Productions, 360-487-9979, pr@stlukeproductions.com

VANCOUVER, Wash., Nov. 15, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Especially when times are tough on the economic, political, and moral fronts, the need for Christ and His message and the examples of His saints is not only sought after, it's very much needed. And Saint Luke Productions delivers just that, all in a dramatic personal encounter that is uplifting and inspirational.

After three decades of serving the Church through theater and the media, on October 18th, the Feast of St. Luke, the patron of artists, Saint Luke Productions celebrated 30 years of renewing the culture through theater, film, television and radio. The evening was just what the company had hoped for -- a celebration which first gave thanks and praise to God. The evening commenced with the celebration of Holy Mass at St. Joseph Church in Vancouver, WA, followed by a dinner and a joy-filled reception. In the homily, Father Jeremy Driscoll O.S.B. of Mount Angel Abbey, who has long been a spiritual guide for the ministry, made the point that this ministry of Saint Luke Productions "is the reality of the Church itself going on its way, like lambs among wolves, to proclaim the Good News." He went on to say that there has been no real worldly success, but the message has been proclaimed and still needs to be proclaimed.

There's little time in the ranks of the company, however, for rest! Busy like never before with the goal to evangelize the culture, the ministry is currently heading up several different projects:

Vianney Speaks:

This television program depicts several of the passionate, famous sermons and poignant prayers of St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars, and transports one back in time to the very church of Ars, France. This timely co-production with EWTN, speaks to sin, conversion and hope, and is now in DVD distribution. Audiences are falling in love with John Vianney for his courage, conviction and great love of God. He was a radiant model of Christ who led countless souls to a deep conversion of heart with his words.

Benedictus Moments:

Currently in nationwide distribution, this new radio series is getting the message of Pope Benedict XVI out to the modern, English-speaking world. Already airing on the EWTN Radio Network and various other radio networks and stations across the U.S., the series also runs on websites and smartphones and was recently launched on Catholic One, the popular mobile App for Android. As wonderfully written as they are spoken, the inspiring daily meditations are taken from the book Benedictus: Day by Day with Pope Benedict XVI (published by Ignatius Press and Magnificat).

The Bishop and The Actor:

It's not very often that a Bishop interviews an actor! This engaging interview with Bishop Michael Sheridan of the Diocese of Colorado Springs and VIANNEY actor, Leonardo Defilippis is now on DVD and in television distribution. This is a frank discussion of the priesthood and the impact of the VIANNEY drama.

VIANNEY Live Drama:

Since its premiere in August 2009, during the Year for Priests, the live production has now become the most popular religious drama, now seen by over 100,000 audience members in 230 performances in 62 dioceses across North America. This production on the life of St. John Vianney has really been an inspiration to priests, seminarians, and parishioners - all who are having a renewed appreciation for the priesthood and for the patron of priests, the beloved Curé of Ars. Due to its popularity, this production is on tour for a third year and the scheduling of performances continues.