Florida Catholic | Defilippis’ Performance Tells Story Of Saint

Courtesy Photo
During his performances of “Maximilian: Saint of Auschwitz”, Leonardo Difilippis plays four distinct characters with the use of nothing but a pair of glasses, a cloak and his acting talent.

Defilippis’ performance tells story of saint

Leonardo Defilippis portrays St. Maximilian Kolbe in an inspiring and faithful performance.

JOE DIAZ | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 03.14.08

RIVERVIEW | St. Maximilian Kolbe was referred to by Pope John Paul II as the “saint for our difficult time” during his canonization in 1982.

At a Feb. 20 performance of “Maximilian: Saint of Auschwitz” at Resurrection Parish, members of the audience of about 500 learned the reason the Holy Father had made this statement.

“This transcends faiths and ages” said Stacy Fieler, referring to the performance. “We have Jewish people in attendance who have ties to Auschwitz; we have World War II veterans here, who helped free people from the concentration camps.”

Leonardo Defilippis portrayed the saint, who had unfailing faith and hope that no matter what, Immaculate Mary, the Immaculata, would take care of him. St. Maxililian Kolbe volunteered to die in place of a stranger in the Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz in Poland.

Defilippis’ company, St. Luke Productions, has produced numerous movies and programs based on saints.

“Our job as Christians is to bring you Jesus and the saints,” Defilippis said. “We are bringing saints and their lives and messages to the people in the flesh, bringing all of us closer to God’s grace.”

During the performance, he played four distinct characters with the use of nothing but a pair of glasses, a cloak and his acting talent. The main character, of course, was St. Maximilian Kolbe.

For more information on Defilippis and St. Luke Productions, or to arrange for a performance, visit www.stlukeproductions.com or call 800-683-2998.

Return to Diocese of Venice Front Page

Defilippis’ performance tells story of saint

Other Stories