OCEANIA/PAPUA NEW GUINEA - EVANGELISATION THROUGH SONG AND DANCE: SAINT FRANCIS MUSICAL PRODUCED ENTIRELY BY YOUNG PEOPLE REAPS HUGE SUCCESS IN PNG

Friday, 9 May 2003

Vanimo (Fides Service) – The Francesco Theatre Group from Aitape diocese is having great success with the public and promises well for evangelisation as it makes its musical tour of the dioceses. The group of 30 young Catholics from Nuku, a poor area of the diocese, are led by Father Gianni Gattei and Sister Anne Marie.
The group has produced a play on the life of Saint Francis of Assisi highlighting the values of poverty, obedience, chastity, fraternity, prayer, which is having a great impact on the public.
The musical in English, is produced entirely by the young people, who composed the music and wrote the 23 lyrics. Audiences are moved in particularly by one of the songs, “Come Back Francis”, which speaks of the longing Franciscan friars and sisters have to see Saint Francis. The choreography is also by the young people who perform with dedication and talent. The costumes were designed by Sister Ann Marie.
The group has been heartily congratulated on its achievement not only by pastoral workers nuns and lay Catholics but also by many other people interested in knowing more about Saint Francis.
“These young people are not professional dancers or actors but the Lord supplied what was lacking in their training” Fr Gianni told Fides Service. “I never thought the play would stir such enthusiasm. People really seem to understand the message of Saint Francis. We would like to thank Bishop Cesare Bonivento of Vanimo who helped us to bring this undertaking to completion.” The musical has been seen in Vanimo, Madang, Lae and in Rabaul the home of PNG’s Blessed Martyr Catechist Peter To Rot. The life of Peter To Rot will be the subject of the next musical produced by the Francesco Theatre Group. PA (Fides Service 9/5/2003 EM lines 30 Words: 346)


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