Walsh University to Host 'Vianney' Drama in Our Lady Chapel

invites the North Canton community on campus Wednesday to get a glimpse of the exemplary life of St. John Vianney, the “patron saint of all priests.”

The Catholic university will host Vianney, a live, one-man drama at 7:30 p.m. inside the school’s , and the public is welcome to attend.

“We look to bring in events with a sense of mission and the arts and Vianney fits nicely into that," said Nancy Blackford, event coordinator and vice president of academic projects at Walsh. "It is great to have an innovative performance coming to our chapel, which has superb acoustics."

Blackford added, “We knew the drama would have particular appeal to local churches and schools, so we decided to make it available to as many as possible.”

There's no admission fee for the theatrical performance, brought to Walsh through St. Luke’s Productions. Vianney features Leonardo Deflilippis, a critically acclaimed Catholic actor, film director and producer. He founded St. Luke’s Productions in 1980 and since has brought numerous Catholic dramas to life in front of millions of people across the world, according to the St. Luke's website.

Defilippis’ performance of Vianney includes a full cast of characters projected on screen, a spectacular set and a moving musical score, Blackford said. The drama tells the story of St. John Vianney (1786-1859), whose life was so remarkable that Pope Benedict XVI  recently recognized him as a model for priests and laity, she said.

“St. Vianney is not well-known among Catholics, but he has an interesting story," she said. "He was born in a poor family and not considered a likely candidate for seminary training. He struggled partly due to poverty and came to learn Latin in his late teens."

“His first post was not promising. He was sent to an out-of-the-way place, but with great dedication and purpose, he went on and his labors led to great fruition and stellar recognition.”

According to the St. Luke’s website, Vianney has been “encouraging and renewing the priesthood and religious life nationwide, but also is renewing parish life by portraying the true story of a simple and unworldly priest who, against all odds, converted an entire village and thousands beyond.”

Blackford said the drama truly will touch the audience, in particular Walsh students, regardless of if they choose to dedicate their lives to religion or select careers in business or health.

“St. Vianney was particularly outstanding in his use of the confessional, and people came to his parish, originally serving 230 families, by the thousands,” she said. “This is an inspiring story for students and everyone. It expands the knowledge of religion.”

Blackford said the Chapel will seat 400 people and she expects it to fill to capacity quickly. Doors open at 6:30 p.m, and she encourages audience members to arrive by 7 p.m. She said the show is not recommended for children 9 and under.

Click here to view the website for Vianney and watch a video preview for the drama. Those with further questions about the production should contact the school at 330-490-7106.