Contact: Janice Gonzalez, Media Relations, Saint Luke Productions, 360-687-8029, pr@stlukeproductions.com
VANCOUVER, Wash., Oct. 13, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Vianney Speaks, the latest Saint Luke Productions television drama, will premiere on October 14 & 15 on EWTN Global Catholic Television Network. This unique program depicts the passionate sermons and fervent prayers of John Vianney, the beloved French pastor, as portrayed by actor and film director Leonardo Defilippis. Vianney Speaks grew out of Saint Luke Productions' live theatrical production VIANNEY, which has been touring the US and Canada, and has inspired audiences of more than 100,000 since its premiere in 2009. This made-for-television program is guaranteed to deepen understanding of the Catholic faith by highlighting a combination of the interior struggles of Vianney and his compelling sermons, which converted thousands of souls.
Produced at Saint Luke Productions' studio and co-produced with EWTN, the world's largest Catholic media company, Vianney Speaks transports viewers into 19th century France, where John Vianney became a priest against all odds in the hostile environment after the French Revolution. It creates a window into a different time, while keeping modern audiences engaged in pertinent and convicting topics relevant to our culture today - conversion, the love of God, and the enemies of our salvation.
Woven throughout are his poignant private prayers for the conversion of his flock. "We deliberately combined several of the most powerful sermons with interludes of reflection that vividly illustrate the human frailty, humility and fervor of this priest. He's definitely not afraid to tell it like it really is," says Vianney Speaks star, Leonardo Defilippis. Audiences are sure to fall 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.
The priesthood continues to suffer attacks on multiple fronts. In contrast, Vianney Speaks presents an inspiring view of what it means to be a priest. Asked about the inspiration behind this project, Defilippis offered, "More and more, I feel called to make Vianney known to others, especially to inspire and encourage our priests." St. John Vianney spiritually and physically battled the devil for years to save souls, and was recently recognized as a model for all priests by Pope Benedict XVI. The recent Year for Priests, proclaimed by the Holy Father was, in fact, promoted under the patronage of St. John Vianney.
Vianney Speaks will air this Friday, October 14, at 1:00 PM and on Saturday, October 15 at 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM (all Eastern times). Additional information may be found by visiting EWTN's website www.ewtn.com/series/shows/vianney-speaks/index.as.
Saint Luke Productions and its film division Luke Films are currently celebrating 30 years of creating feature films, television and radio programming, and live theatrical productions on the lives of the saints and the scriptures with the mission of renewing the culture. For information about the ministry of Saint Luke Productions, including a list of their current performance locations for VIANNEY www.vianneydrama.com, the live drama that inspired Vianney Speaks, visit www.stlukeproductions.com or call 360-687-8029.
Availability: Actor Leonardo Defilippis is available for interviews by appointment and by phone.
Contact: Janice Gonzalez, Media Relations for Saint Luke Productions, 360-687-8029; pr@stlukeproductions.com.
