Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vienna (Agenzia Fides) - On September 30th, the successful musical “Pauline - Courage Changes the World” about the life story of Pauline Marie Jaricot, the foundress of the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith, beatified on May 22, 2022, will be shown at the Stadthalle in Vienna (see Fides, 23/5/2023).
Pauline's special courage, which gives the musical its title, was also highlighted by Pope Francis as a characteristic of the Blessed: "This lay believer, who lived in the first half of the 19th century, was a courageous woman who faced the changes of the times with a universal vision of the mission of the Church" (Pope Francis, Regina Coeli, 22/5/2022).
The production arose from the collaboration of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Austria (Missio) and the association KISI - God's Singing Kids (www.kisi.at), which was founded 30 years ago by the musical and children's book author Birgit Minichmayr, and her husband Hannes Minichmayr. The musical, which has been on tour through Austria and Bavaria since April 15, was created with the aim of arousing public interest and sympathy for apostolic works, while offering the possibility to support specific projects. The funds will go to an initiative for school children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The fact that 9,000 spectators have seen this show so far, captivated for more than 90 minutes, is also due to the combination of excellent music, captivating choreography and advanced professional technology, which, with impressive colors and lighting, offers an experience in which the Musical entertainment techniques communicate evocative content, capable of questioning and involving young and old viewers and awakening existential and spiritual questions in them.
Among those who have already seen and enjoyed the musical is Mayline Tran, the girl who at three and a half years old had the gift of a miraculous healing attributed to the intercession of the Venerable Jaricot (see Fides, 22/5/2022). Mayline, today a teenager full of life, will be in Vienna next weekend with her family to see the musical again, of which her father, Emmanuel Tran, has stressed the great value: “This show is truly extraordinary, the actors took us by the hand and accompanied us into Pauline's life with sincerity and emotion. The scenes are all lively, exciting and even shocking. The melodies and costumes that take us back to two centuries ago contribute to making this musical truly well done. Even though we do not understand German, our hearts followed every step and it was hard to hold back tears".
The musical "Pauline - Courage Changes the World", starring young debutants between 4 and 26 years old - in line with the artistic options promoted by the KISI association - has already made 12 stops, in addition to Vienna, where the show takes place. The show will also be repeated on Sunday, October 1, since tickets for the September 30 performance have been sold out. The tour will end on October 14 in Grafenegg. “Pauline - explains Father Karl Wallner, director of Missio Austria - showed with her life that even in complex and delicate times, like the ones we live in today, many things can be changed with courage. Pauline Jaricot also lived in difficult times, but with her commitment and dedication she influenced millions of people and gave rise to a great missionary movement. Let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of this musical and let yourself be inspired.” (E.G.) (Agenzia Fides, 28/9/2023)
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