Palla Eius begins this Saturday at Grotto

Members of the "Palla Eius" cast practice a number just outside the stage before rehearsal

In the latest issue of the Lourde's Legacy online is the latest review of Palla Eius:

“ A Lourdes Grotto was dedicated yesterday with numerous Detroit families in Attendance.” - May 30, 1881

Palla Eius – “Her Mantle” in English – is an original musical play production now in
rehearsal for performance this October on the Assumption Grotto Stage. The celebration ofthat Detroit parish’s 175 anniversary prompted the enterprise, for which its pastor, Rev.Fr.Eduard Perrone, agreed to both compose the full musical score, and conduct the orchestra.

The fact the Palla Eius is “to honor Mary” drew ascent not only from the accomplished pianist and conductor pastor, but also from youth and adult parishioners with talent both experienced and novel. To accompany the cast of near thirty, thirteen orchestral musicians have been engaged, and the production’s top-notch choreographer was seen both in Hollywood and on Broadway stage.

If the director of Palla Eius did not have to o.k. this for print, his resume could also be penned, but he would rather have us applaud the music of Fr. Perrone. From act I set on board ship from Montreal to Detroit, through Act II in a Detroit boarding house, on to a Final act Grotto of exceptional consequence, there is quite a bit of evidence that Our Lady will indeed be honored, and a contented audience go forth humming tunes that will long remain in the heart. Though the Palla Eius story is only based on the building of Detroit’s miraculous Grotto, the rich personalities could very well have been, and two figures are indeed quite historic.

Come see what Detroit can look up to as breaking music-scene. Your might even feel the better musicals of Broadway looking over their shoulder at the wind on the Great Lakes…

PIANO PERFORMANCE - SATURDAY OCTOBER 13 TH 7:00
ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE - FRIDAY OCTOBER 19TH 7:00
ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE - SUNDAY OCTOBER 21ST 3:00
ADULT $5.00/ C-13 $3.00/ FAMILY (INC CHILDREN –18) $20.00
To purchase tickets call (313) 332-4432

Grotto organist, Stefanie Nofar, playing the piano during rehearsal.

Actors join stage hands in changing sets between acts.

Another "behiind the scenes" photo during intermission

Photos from Monday when Catholic actor Leonardo Defilippis visited rehearsal

Photos from a previous practice

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Palla Eius (Her Mantle) - An Assumption Grotto Musical Stage Play

This is a story of love, of faith, and of a miracle. It is an original story thought up by Sr. Maria Paschalis, written into a script by a talented 17-year old Parishioner by the name of Renee Kray, and set in the form of a musical stage play directed by Joe Maher. The music is composed by our own pastor, Fr. Eduard Perrone who will direct and conduct the orchestra.

Fr. Perrone wrote recently about Palla Eius in the Lourde's Legacy:

It will be a full production with sets, acting, singing and musical accompaniment. The work is entitled Palla Eius (Her Mantle), a reference to the spiritual protection that Holy Mary has extended to Her devotees here......It promises to involve many parishioners in a united effort to pay homage to the Queen of Heaven in an unusual and pleasant way.

Folks, I was pulled into this a few weeks ago when Joe asked if I could make a practice video for him and Father to view. I was thinking of a simple stage play and walked into a major production (the choir knows all too well that when Father wants to see or hear something, he's aiming to make last minute changes!!!).

Grotto has a way of coming together for something - like Assumption Day or Easter week which requires much work on the part of many. Just when I thought there was nothing new left for me to see at my parish, I walk into one of the most complex, concentrated efforts I have seen, involving so much time on the part of so many people.

I know people who work around Grotto unnoticed - giving countless hours every week out of the goodness of their hearts. I have seen one parishioner quietly watering all of the grass in the cemetary nearly daily in the hot, dry weeks leading up to Assumption Day. Another parishioner tends to the many potted plants in the church and planted around the church. I see others spending hours to make it possible to have a weekly social, or getting rooms ready for the many functions we have, or filing music, performing administrative work, doing fundraisers, working in the giftshop, contributing artwork, and so on. These are the unsung heroes who do their work not for recognition, but for Our Lord.

Something is different about this play and the volunteer work. It's like the boats hitting the beaches on D-Day, with the level of effort and support taking place on the stage, behind it, and out on the floor, and even in people's homes. The actors are mostly kids and they are spending somewhere around 12 hours weekly at Assumption Grotto with practices, and this says nothing of the time spent at home memorizing and practicing even more. They have been working for months and it has been intensifying.

The kids are learning dance moves and artistic expressions and choreography from a professional. They are being coached in their singing by Fr. Perrone who is a master. They are learning the finer points of acting from several with prior theatre experience, including Joe Maher, Sonja Krolik, Sr. Maria Paschalis, and of course, Fr. Perrone. Several men and boys in the parish have been hard at work with carpentry - making wonderful props and even the platforms on which stage beam-light is to be run, where audio boards will be run, and it says nothing of what has gone into costumes and other things.

This single effort, is all for three performances as follows below. I hope you will take time out of your day to come and enjoy what these people want to share. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised. I've seen these actors grow from timid and shy, to commanding their parts with confidence.

I pray that all parishioners and other Grotto-goers will reward all of these people by coming to one or more of the scheduled performances of Palla Eius. This based on the story of our parish in her early days in the 1800's when Fr. Van - our first pastor - initiated the beautiful outdoor grotto we have yet today.

youth and adult talent and Orchestral Musicians


Piano Performance Saturday, October 13th 7:00 pm
(Note: the final Fatima Devotion follows the 4:00 pm Mass with Rosary Procession, Fatima skit, all ahead of Palla Eius from what I can tell)
Orchestral Performance Friday, October 19th 7:00 pm
Orchestral Performance Sunday, October 21st 3:00 pm

Ticket Sales through the Grotto Shrine Gift Shop, phone to purchase 313 332-4432
Adult $5.00/ C-13 $3.00/ Family (inc children –18) $20.00
+Assumption Grotto Celebration Event – 175 years + AG Stage + 13770 Gratiot Avenue+

I leave you with a few clips, but not enough to give away the many props and costumes. Many thanks to Mike Powell for submitting these.





See the detailed flyer on the web - click here. (Note the flyer has an error citing Sunday, October 14 which has been changed to Saturday October 13th, 7:00pm)

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Leonardo Defilippis gets a private viewing of Palla Eius

The cast and crew of Palla Eius had a special visitor last evening for a private viewing: Catholic actor Leonardo Defilippis, who is in town for several more days performing the Confessions of Augustine. (See the schedule for Leonardo's remaining schedule in Michigan - Emmet, Royal Oak, Kalamazoo, and Southgate)

Palla Eius is an original musical stage play concepted by our own Sr. Maria Paschalis written into a script by 17 year old parishioner Renee Kray, directed by Joe Maher and turned into a full blown musical with original music written by Fr. Eduard Perrone - pastor of Assumption Grotto, who will conduct the orchestra. Professional dancer and choreographer Sonja Krolik has been working with the cast.

Here are some photos from last evening....

Leonardo Defilippis is flanked by Director Joe Maher and Sr. Maria Paschalis. It was Leonardo's only night off and he was kind enough to spend it in support of this great effort on the part of so many parishioners, primarily young people. He provided some pointers along the way, as well.

Fr. Perrone and Leonardo exchange some thoughts during the first intermission.

Choreographer Sonja Krolik and Fr. Perrone discuss some details.

"Fr. Van" leading the locals in singing.

Grotto accountant and local Barber, Sam Pizzo, plays a hardened, irreligious man (I keep telling Sam that he plays a really good jerk!)

Nigel Betts playing "Fr. Van" and Ray Long as another priest I don't want to name at this time. There is a "conspiracy" taking place here, but you'll have to see the play to learn what it is.

Elizabeth Powell in her role as the hardened man's daughter, makes a special plea to the Blessed Mother

There are so many other pictures I want to share, taken by myself and by Mike Powell, but I don't want to give away too much of the set, which was put together through the hard work of parish carpenters and other volunteers. I was shocked the first time those curtains opened once the props were all made and I wouldn't want to spoil that feeling for all of you. Know that there are far more talented actors and actresses from our parish involved and I will share more in the next two weeks.

Please support the efforts of the many people at Assumption Grotto who have worked tirelessly several days weekly for months now to make this production possible. As Leonardo pointed out during his talk to the cast and crew: This level of production for a parish stage play is very rare indeed, and the fact that it is all original - from the storyline, to the script, the music, the choreography, makes it all the more special.

It is.......Grotto!

Performances begin this coming Saturday. See the details and schedule in this post.

On behalf of all involved with Palla Eius, I would like to extend a warm thanks to Leonardo for taking time out of his very busy schedule to come to Assumption Grotto last evening.

Please support St. Luke Productions, and Catholic drama, with your donations, purchases of multi-media, and bookings.

Visit the homepage of St. Luke Productions and consider booking one of their shows in your diocese or parish.

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Forty Hours Devotion - November 9-11th at Grotto

I recently told a group of people that I'm 45, a cradle Catholic who went to weekly to Sunday Mass, and had never heard of 40 Hours Devotion until I found Assumption Grotto just over two years ago.

I'll add to this. I had never heard of Adoration, nor Benediction either.

I encourage you to read a few things on 40 Hours to learn about this very rarely seen devotion. Sometimes I think Grotto-goers take for granted the treasure that we have with our pastor offering this to us. A reader of this blog sent me an email about 40 hours devotion and it was very humbling.

It can be difficult for some, as we are somewhat a commuter parish. But wouldn't it be "something beautiful for God", as Mother Teresa would say, if there was a resounding turn-out for 40 Hours, as there was for "Palla Eius"? What more fitting way to personally love, thank and glorify God for all of our 175 years, and especially for Our Dear Mother and Patroness, for all our Jubilee blessings? Maybe your readers will forward your posting and spread the word. St. Francis said that peace on earth must "begin with me."

For those who don't know, we estimate over 600 people crammed into the gym for the final showing of Palla Eius (scroll down), with some having come more than once. This was a wonderful show of support for the parish young people, while at the same time gaining some really great entertainment in return.

However, as our pastor, Fr. Perrone, has taught us in catechism, from the pulpit, and in other talks: We should come to Mass and to adoration not for what we get, but for what we give to God. This means, that we show up to give God "support", but we don't look for anything in return. We don't worry about making it at the most convenient time because if we look at the life of Christ and imitate it, we should be inconveniencing ourselves for him as he did for us.

It could be that we have had so many things going on, so many volunteer tasks, so many things with the kids and school, so many things with work, and the reasons go on and on. If we inconvenience ourselves and offer that up as a sacrifice, how much more treasured is the time we spend with God.

It takes spending just one or two hours less on the internet Friday if you can get there before 6:30. It takes missing half of a football game on Saturday afternoon. It may mean that you'll need to run an extra load of laundry during the week instead of on Saturday.

If you appreciate all that Grotto gives you, come to 40 Hours Devotion with your family and give thanks to God. It's not only the greatest gift you can give to God - your time without looking for anything in return, it's probably one of the greatest ways you can reward our pastor and priests. They see the fruits of their labor when people, especially young people, take time out of their day for such things. But, do it first for pure love of God.

If you care for the unborn and for those who counsel troubled mothers, come and petition the Lord to spare the precious infants.

If you care for priests like Fr. Francis Mary who have taken leave, come and pray for our priests.

I can tell you that the times closest to a Mass or Confession have the most people. The times where we need people to sacrifice are in between, such as around 10:00-2:00 on Saturday, or around commute times on Friday.

The closing ceremony will take place Sunday at 3:00. Fr. Perrone will have the choir sing the Noon Mass and last I heard the Tridentine will be at Noon instead of 9:30 unless he - "the worship committee" changed it after it was last discussed.

If you come to Noon mass, then there is time to grab a hamburger after Mass, go back to adoration until 3:00 at which time the closing ceremony will take place, then join us for pot-luck dinner in the gym.

Watch this video that Fr. Antoine Thomas has made on adoration for children called, Children of Hope. He is probably one of the most influential priests on adoration for the young that I have seen and his message is equally as profound for adults (we are suppose to be like children, no?)



Related Articles:

40 Hours Devotion (part 1) - Fr. William Saunders
40 Hours Devotion (part 2) - Fr. William Saunders
40 Hours with Jesus Christ by Fr. William Saunders

40 Hours Devotion (Catholic Encyclopedia)



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Palla Eius cast members wait in the hallway as the sound system is tested

News from Grotto:

Orchestra performances for the musical Palla Eius take place tonight at 7:00pm, and Sunday at 3:00pm. The dress rehearsal with orchestra took place this past Wednesday. When you hear it, you have to keep in mind that every last note was composed by our pastor, Fr. Eduard Perrone. I tell you that Father is a real trip to have come up with these compositions. He must not have slept for a month and I can imagine what his vacation must have been like (rumor has it that much was written during his July hiatus).

It's simply brilliant and in the spirit of the musicals from an era past. Please support Catholic Drama, and the folks of Assumption Grotto and Sts Cyril & Methodius who are in this play. Keep in mind it was concepted by our own Sr. Maria Paschalis, put to script by 17 year old parishioner Renee Kray, choreographed by a former Broadway professional, Sonja Krolik, and directed by Opus Bono Sacerdotii president Joe Maher.

Michigan Catholic reporter, Robert Delaney, interviews Fr. Perrone during the Piano Performance dress rehearsal

Also, I just received news that the Helpers of God's Precious Infants fall Prayer Vigil will take place on November 10th. Save that date.

From around the Web:

Pope Benedict Names 23 New Cardinals (CWNews)

Fr. Z’s 20 Tips For Making A Good Confession o{]:¬) (WDTPRS)

The Bishop and the Jesuit: Robert McManus vs. Holy Cross (Dr. Jeff Mirus - Catholic Culture)

The Bishop on the "Bullies" of the Blogosphere (Ignatius Insight Scoop)

In re the Eucharist: Cdl. McCarrick vs. Abp. Burke (Ed Peters, JD, JCD)

Archbishop Raymond L. Burke and Canon 915 (Ed Peters, JD, JCD)


Local News in the AOD:

15 Permanent Deacons Ordained (Michigan Catholic)

Files of possible miracle for Ven. Solanus head to Rome (Michigan Catholic)

Catholic Conference Responds to Formation of Embryonic Stem Cell Research Ballot Committee (Michigan Catholic Conference) and the Letter that went to Catholic Homes, and from the same site.....Michigan Catholic Conference Launches Massive Statewide Stem Cell Education Program

I got my letter and disk in the mail from the Michigan Catholic Conference. This is a good thing they are doing in trying to educate Catholics about Embryonic Stem Cell research.


Sidebar websites in the spotlight

You will find many websites in my sidebar worth exploring. I have to do some updating, but most of the links are good. I have more to add. In this post, I would like to put a spotlight on the following merchants:

Grotto Press

Real View Books

Mater Admirabilis Embroidery

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Fr. Perrone comments on Altar Rail Cloth and Communion

Fr. Perrone continues to educate the parish on the finer details of the TLM. He will be providing a class in the coming weeks - an informal one - to discuss the structure of the Tridentine and how to follow along in the missal.

Weekly, he has been taking one subject at a time and talking about it. This week, he talks about the altar rail cloth, and about what some would call "snapping turtles". Is there a benefit to closing our eyes when we receive Holy Communion on the tongue? Read this and find out....

My comment in gray and in brackets below.

First, Father talks about some fundraising:

This is my last chance to goad you into
being part of the BENEFIT DINNER AND
RAFFLE which will take place next
Sunday after the noon Mass. There are
many fine items for the raffle, many
more since I last wrote about this. You
will be understanding if tickets will not
be available once we have been called to
give a head count of attendees to the
caterers.

Now he speaks about Altar Rail Cloths and Holy Communion

My liturgical word this time has to do
with the reception of HOLY
COMMUNION. In the new rite of Mass,
which you know so well, the priest or
other minister of the Sacrament [Grotto
has a religious brother (ORC) who helps to
distribute Communion] says,
“The Body (and Blood) of Christ” to
which the communicant is to answer
“Amen.” This, we are informed, is an
ancient formulary. As such it has
antiquity to commend it. It is also a
means of eliciting an act of faith in the
Real Presence by the communicant who
says, in effect: ‘Amen. Yes, I do believe
that this is the real Body of Christ.’

The Tridentine form of distributing Holy
Communion requires no word from the
communicant (“Amen” is not to be said),
but is rather a formula of blessing. You
will note there that the priest makes the
sign of the cross with the Sacred Host
toward each one about to receive the
Holy Eucharist and says to him: “May
the Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ bring
you to eternal life. Amen.” Of the two
ways, the older form seems to me to be
the more beneficial for the communicant.
In former days, there was also a cloth
covering the altar railing. It was removed
here sometime in the 1960s, I presume.

This cloth served a double purpose, one
liturgical, one practical. The practical
was that should the Host drop during the
distribution, It would not fall upon the
hands of the recipient (how carefully the
Church safeguarded the Host!). The
other reason was to indicate that the
railing is an extension of the altar itself.
This is why communion rails were often
made of the same material as the altar–in
our case, of while marble. One receives
Communion then from the ‘altar,’
symbolic of Christ.

While I’m at it, I want my say about
receiving Holy Communion. There are a
few procedural points that can be
improved upon by some of our
parishioners. In olden days, the good
teaching Sisters taught us how to receive
Communion reverently. With their
diminished presence, many now do not
know how to conduct themselves well at
the Communion railing. Here are a few
points. Keep your hands away from your
face and your arms and elbows off the
railing. At the moment of reception,
close your eyes and put out your tongue.
Closing the eyes assures that you will
not be attempting to ‘follow’ the Host
into your mouth, a practice which
usually results in a lunging forward,
making the priest miss the mark (and
maybe get his fingers nipped as well).
Putting out the tongue makes it easier to
place the Host thereupon and avoids the
potential danger of digital amputation of
the priest. I’m sorry to be so pedantic
about these things but, lacking other
suitable means of imparting this
information to you, I must write about it
here.

And, Father plugs Palla Eius one last time (3:00 today!!!)

Performances of the musical play Palla
Eius will have ended by the time you read
this. I’m praying now that it all goes well
and that it will be truly inspiring as well as
an entertaining. The play itself is a great
promo for priestly and religious vocations,
as well as a story of trust in the powerful
intercession of our Blessed Mother. I hope
the folks who attend will get that as they
watch the show. There’s a lamentable void
in the Church’s involvement in the arts
today, even though the Church formerly
has been a great promoter of them. This
deficiency has resulted in the proverbial
‘vacuum’ for the devil to take ascendancy,
as he has already so successfully, in film,
TV, literature, lewd music, etc. From time
to time we all need incentives to help our
faith along. The arts should help supply for
it. How I wish for a Catholic cultural
revival!

Fr. Perrone

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Upcoming Movie about Leonie - the Sister of St. Therese

This was just in the Michigan Catholic last weekend and I'm just now getting to it. I'm only providing the first part of the article, which was the lead story. There are many pictures in the original so do start out here, then follow the link at the end to continue reading at the Michigan Catholic.

You will recognize many familiar faces if you have been to any of the musical stage plays put on at Assumption Grotto. The talented actors and actresses are from various parishes around the archdiocese, and the director is none other, than Grotto's own, Joe Maher, who directed Palla Eius and The Heritance. It is being produced by Holy Trinity Productions (an offshoot of Holy Trinity Apostolate). Read below...

Romeo - Once Barbara Middleton read about the little-known sister of St. Therese of Lisieux, she knew she had to share Leonie Martin's life with others.

That project has developed into a 90-minute feature film involving 100 actors, dozens of crew members, a Romeo neighborhood, a veteran Hollywood filmmaker, a new production company and, most of all, the grace of God. "I have never been involved in something more fulfilling, and rewarding, and exciting," said director Joe Maher, referring to both the film, "Leonie!", and the musicals he's directed at Assumption (Grotto) Parish, Detroit, his home parish. "Nothing I ever did compares to the greatness of these things."

For the last week or so, the "greatness" Maher spoke of was taking place at a historic house in Romeo, already furnished with family pieces of the period, after filming earlier this month in a Warren school house. Middleton, who's the film's executive producer, talks of how the production has come together: People lined up to participate in auditions; she spotted the house on a drive around Romeo, and homeowner Diane Jesmore happened to be home that day; a neighbor offers to hold off mowing her lawn until shooting was done for the morning; a Lutheran church up the block gave the cast and crew full use of their basement.

Middleton, a member of SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Sterling Heights, said once she read about Leonie Martin, "she captured my heart." "I was so taken by St. Therese's sister," she said, and the problems she had - fevers as a child, learning disabilities, fits of anger, illness. "She had a lot of struggles."

pray to her daily for her intercession. "Her life touched me," she said. "Once I read about her, I decided we're going to do a story on Leonie."

So little is known about Leonie Martin, the book the production crew worked from, "Leonie Martin: A Difficult Life," had to be ordered from Ireland.

That lack of information doesn't stop Mary Rose Maher, a member of Assumption Grotto, who plays Leonie, from becoming the character during taping. "When I am in the habit, it's just a total transformation," she said. "I feel tranquility and peace."

As she's filming, she said, she looks to Leonie for her struggle to keep on going, since Leonie entered a religious order a total of four times before finding a fit for life. She never gave up, "no matter how much people told her no," Mary Rose Maher said.

Paige Pilarski, who plays Sr. Jean Marguerite, a friend of Leonie, agrees: "It's not only what she believed, but what she knew was God's will," she said. "She wasn't going to let anything on Earth stop her from that."

Continue reading, "Giving Life to Leonie" by Kristin Lukowski in the July 24th, 2009 Michigan Catholic. Once again, there are many photos in this excellent article about the upcoming movie in which many of our parishioners and friends from other parishes are involved.

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The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Coming Next Week: The Heritance - An Assumption Grotto Theatrical Production (includes Detroit Free Press interview with Fr. Perrone)

I have been wanting to tell you about the latest original, theatrical production at Assumption Grotto which will take place on the following days:

Wednesday, December 3, 2008 (7:00 pm)
Friday, December 5, 2008 (7:00 pm)
Sunday, December 7, 2008 (3:00 pm)

For tickets and more information: 313 372-0762

Parking can be an issue at Assumption Grotto. There is a secure lot, but I would encourage you to get there early. Last year, the final performance had so many people, they had to delay the start of the show as people looked for a place to park.

I was also alerted to this wonderful interview in the Detroit Free Press with our pastor, Fr. Eduard Perrone who wrote the music. Several members of the Detroit Symphony will be in the orchestra, as they were in Palla Eius. I'm providing a link to the article, but it may disappear offline after a few weeks so I am also adding the text and picture here that appeared in the Thanksgiving Day 2008 issue of the Detroit Free Press.

When the Assumption Grotto Catholic Church decided to put on a show to commemorate its 175th anniversary last year, organizers thought it might attract a few hundred people. Instead, nearly 1,600 folks filled folding chairs in the church's old gym auditorium over three weekend performances.

This success has led to a second, even more ambitious musical production, again composed and conducted by the church's pastor, the Rev. Eduard Perrone. It's being performed Wednesday and Dec. 5 and 7.

Set in the 1920s, "The Heritance" is the story of a man, made mean by the death of his wife, who softens when he meets an orphan girl.

The show includes 45 cast members (many of them children) and 12 musicians, including some members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

Perrone, 60, has been pastor at the historic church for 14 years. As the son of Detroit big band musician Phil Perrone, he comes by his love of music naturally. A graduate of Cass Tech High School, he also studied composing and conducting at the University of Louisville and the Aspen School of Music before becoming a priest.

QUESTION: How do you describe the musical style of "The Heritance"?

ANSWER: There's a little of everything in this work: Broadway-style music, romance, jazz, fugue, etc. The music is modern but singable. ... I especially enjoy the instrumental pieces, which afford me a chance to test my writing skills.

Q: How does the parish community (or the community in general) benefit from these theatrical works?

A: Theater with music has a way of lifting people from the tedium and worry of their ordinary lives and makes them aspire to great things. Among those who greeted the last musical with particular appreciation were many beyond our own parish. I could see that there was a sincere interest in doing more of the same and offering it for the wider community.

Q: Children are a huge part of the show. What do you think they take away from this experience?

A: Children have a remarkable capacity to do things well beyond what is usually expected of them. With direction and instruction, our kids have proved their capabilities to act, sing, dance and to develop their personalities through theater. The educational value of this kind of experience for youth is inestimable.

Q: What do you want to say in "The Heritance," especially in response to what you have called (in the show's press release) "the vacuum of evil" that now defines popular music, TV, literature and film?

A: Yes, I think the message of popular music, especially rock music, has demoralized our kids, hopefully not our kids, or your kids, but then again, who's to say?

The show is a modern morality play, but very subtle. There are religious themes in it, but they are not bathed in halos or religious sentimentality. There's humor, sadness and love, as well as faith.

Theater, I think, should be uplifting, inspirational, and there should be a catharsis involved, causing the audience to go back into the light of day enthused and renewed.

Q: What has been the response from the Catholic archdiocese?

A: Priests, some nuns and a bishop attended last year and were very supporting and even surprised at the level of our achievement. It helps put a good face on the church as a supporter of the arts, a role it had historically but with which it is not so often associated today.

BY JOHN MONAGHAN, FREE PRESS SPECIAL WRITER

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The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

More photos from Grotto's Musical, Palla Eius

This photo was taken on the evening that Catholic actor, Leonardo Defilippis visited for a preview. Leonardo posed with the cast and crew after rehearsal.

The following photos are in no certain order. All but the second photo were taken by Mike Powell during another rehearsal.

Boozing sailors sing "Hi-ho Buffalo" to ladies on the ship

The ladies to whom the sailors sing ask that heaven help them

"George" - the ladies man.

"Peter" lifts "Julia" during a duet.

The ever-cranky, "Mrs. Mattiachi" as she chases after "George" for taking the choir's pastries.

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Fr. Perrone Comments Further on Tridentine Preparation at Grotto

I want to pull out of the Grotto bulletin PDF listed in the post below for August 26th, this week's comment by Fr. Perrone. He is planning on writing something each week about preparation and celebration of the Old Mass and I'll bring those words to you here since the PDF will not remain on the web indefinitely. I have added white space for easier reading.

In my spare moments I have been
orchestrating the music for the musical
play, Palla Eius. I have therefore not
been devoting those extra hours to a
needed and careful study of the
Tridentine Mass.

However, I have perused, in casual fashion,
some books which contain detailed instructions
for the priest and the altar servers on how to
celebrate correctly the older form of the
Mass. You would not believe the degree
of complexity specified in such manuals
(often called ceremonials).

But just so that you get some appreciation of
how exacting the so-called Tridentine Mass is
over details of how the celebration
should be conducted, I offer you here a
snippet from these directives. Take, for
example, this randomly picked passage:

“Placing his left hand in the usual
manner on the node of the chalice, and
still holding the Fragment of the Host in
his right hand over the cup, the priest
says aloud Per omnia sæcula
sæculorum... Then, moving his hand and
forearm quietly, he makes with the
Sacred Particle three crosses over the
mouth of the chalice, moving the Particle
from edge to edge, but without touching
the chalice. He makes the first cross
while saying aloud Pax Domini, the
second at the words sit semper, and the
third at vobiscum. dividing these words
as the text of the Canon indicates. When
the server has replied Et cum spiritu tuo,
and not sooner, the celebrant drops the
Sacred Particle into the Precious Blood,
saying silently Hæc commixtio, etc. At
the Holy Name he bows his head.”

Note that the book from which this brief
excerpt is taken runs to over 600 pages!
I quote this to you for a few reasons. I
want you to appreciate the exactness with
which the Church used to expect her
priests to celebrate the sacred liturgy. Not
a single movement was left to chance,
even though there were a few alternative
ways of doing certain gestures.

The next thing I want you to ponder is, by
contrast with the foregoing, in how slipshod
and cavalier manner the new form of Mass is
sometimes celebrated. Although the
revised rite of Mass does not demand the
precise uniformity of the old, departure
from prescribed directives (called rubrics)
in the new Mass is forbidden and often
shocks the religious sensibilities of the
faithful.

Another thing to notice is that,
even in this brief quotation from a
handbook on the liturgy, words such as
Particle (referring to the Host after it has
been broken by the priest), Fragment are all
capitalized. This is a far cry from our current
vernacular usage in liturgical books and reflects
the desacralizing that has been going on for the
last 45 years. This is also evident in the
current orthography in Sacred Scripture
and in liturgical books by which pronouns
that refer to the Divine Name are in small
case (thus ‘he’ and ‘him’ instead of ‘He’
and ‘Him’. (Faithful readers, kindly note
that your pastor long ago reverted to the
older and more reverential practice of
capitalizing such words, as also ‘She’ and
‘Her’ when they refer to Our Lady.)

I wrote that I would say something about
the Tridentine Mass every week in
preparation for September 14’s 7:00 p.m.
Mass, the first day the Pope has given
permission to celebrate it. I hope that our
execution of the ceremonial will approach
some measure of the perfection which the
old rite expected of its sacred ministers.

For this, let us pray.

Fr. Perrone

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Recent Posts on Te Deum....

A cotillion with music from the 1700's (and some dressed for the period) was held as a fund raiser for Grotto's upcoming musical, The Heritance which will show in December. Once again, Father has the symphony being primed, along with the Assumption Grotto Choir. When auditions were held for last year's hit musical, Palla Eius, it was like pulling teeth to get people involved, especially the boys. This year, they couldn't get in the audition line fast enough. It's great fun and I pray everyone will duly support this with their presence and donations as they are solicited. I have more photos from the cotillion forthcoming.

I've been posting like mad and will probably continue for at least through the end of the USCCB General Assembly, which is over tomorrow. Here are some recent posts:

• People ask: Is Obama the Anti-Christ?
• Help a great Catholic blogger pay for college... (it takes a single click)
• Were vocal pro-life bishops heard before the election?
• More on USCCB General Assembly tomorrow.... (and words from Bishop Martino!)
• Catholic Campaign for Human Development and ACORN discussed at USCCB General Assembly
• It's "Ineffable"!
• Fr. Trigilio's Catechetical Crash Course: Pro-Abort Catholic Pols
• Don't just thank a veteran today; pray for them!
• November 15, 2008: Helpers of God's Precious Infants Prayer Vigil
• Bishops Meet in Baltimore in Annual General Assembly
• Thoughts on Forty Hours and Eucharistic Devotion
• Forty Hours Devotion at Assumption Grotto - Day 2 of 3
• Audio: Excellent Post-Election Interview with Janet Morana and Fr. Joseph Fessio
• Fr. Frank Pavone's Post Election Webcast - on Replay
• Knights of Columbus Bowling & Pizza Party! (Nov 15)
• Bishop Finn's Election Eve Sermon (powerful)
• Blessed are They Who Mourn.....Obama's Win

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The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Leonardo Defilippis returns to Assumption Grotto: The Gospel According to John

Leonardo Defilippis is coming back to southeast Michigan and will be at Assumption Grotto on March 29, 2009 at 2:00pm in a one-man performance on the Gospel of John.

I was never much into stage plays, but Leonardo's one-man stage show on Maximillian Kolbe got me hooked. He will have you captivated.

Click here for ticket info and other times/locations in Michigan.

Previous posts on Leonardo and St. Luke Productions:

• Photo Post: Leonardo DeFilippis at Assumption Grotto in Maximillian - Saint of Auschwitz
• Catholic Actor-Producer, Leonardo Defilippis visits Assumption Grotto for rehearsal of the original Grotto production, Palla Eius.
• Other: Leonardo's website: St. Luke Productions......book him at your parish!

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The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Leonardo Defilippis returns as St. Augustine - Schedule set in Detroit area

Grotto has been in overdrive with the production of the musical play, Palla Eius which involves our Pastor, many of the parish youth, and a number of parents. They have been working from 5:30pm until 9:00 most Mondays and Fridays, along with additional practices in between, and on Sundays, for the many soloists. Leonardo would be proud of their efforts and I know he inspired many of these people to get involved through his own advocacy of Catholic drama. It is a most beautiful way to share the faith.

I pray you will all support this work with your attendance and you will discover in it, a real treat. It is based on a story written about the construction of our Grotto and how people sought comfort in Mary's mantel. I've seen these kids develop so quickly under the guidance of Joe Maher (director) and Fr. Perrone (music conductor). There will be two performances with orchestra and one with piano. I'll follow with details.

Right now, I want to tell you about another performance to support. If you are unfamiliar with the Confessions of St. Augustine, go see this play. If you are familiar with the writings, go see this play. There is something in Augustine's work for everyone.

The calendar was so booked at Grotto, that bringing Leonardo Defilippis back for this spectacular performance escaped us. But, I would urge you to see the show at one of these other locations. This is a one-man show you don't want to miss.



THE CONFESSIONS OF SAINT AUGUSTINE, an original one-man dramatization
performed by Leonardo Defilippis, is coming this fall.

Tues. Oct. 2 An Evening with Leonardo at St. Michael's Media, Ferndale
Wed. Oct. 3 at 7 pm St. Thomas the Apostle Parish Hall, Ann Arbor
Thurs. Oct. 4 at 7 pm St. Jude Church, (7 Mile Road, East Side) Detroit
Fri. Oct. 5 at 7 pm Assumption Church, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Sat. Oct. 6 at 7 pm St. Anthony (Kenna Hall), Temperance
Sun. Oct. 7 at 7 pm St. Gerald Church, Farmington
Tue. Oct. 9 at 7 pm Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Hall, Emmett
Wed. Oct. 10 7:30 pm National Shrine of the Little Flower Church, Royal Oak
Thurs. Oct. 11 7:30 pm Crowley Center, St. Augustine Cathedral, Kalamazoo
Fri. Oct. 12 7:30 pm Davidson Middle School Auditorium, Southgate
(sponsored by Downriver Vicariate)

AUGUSTINE is the modern story of a man steeped in a decadent existence,
whose passionate desires aren't satisfied by the things around him.
Leonardo has become well known throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe
for his dramatizations on the lives of the saints, and the gospels (see
http://www.stlukeproductions.com/). The program is suitable for ages 12 years and up. Tickets are $8 per person or $25 for a family.



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The Heritance: Just three performances - starting Wednesday night!

There will be a heavy focus on The Heritance and posting will be slow this week. I will be at Grotto tomorrow after work, Friday, and all day Sunday. Thursday I drive my mom to the doctor after work and Saturday is our monthly Carmelite meeting. In between, I have loads of photo editing, including a large backlog of things I owe people from pics to audio!!!

Details on dates, ticket info and the like can be found at the bottom of this post.

A few teaser-photos I took during a recent rehearsal. If you are within driving distance, just let go of stuff and join us. People have been working for months on it and I promise you it is NOT your ordinary school play. Volunteers, professionals in their respective fields, coached the performers. There is an orchstra pit with professional musicians. The pastor of the parish is conducting the symphony and choir. I tell you that when you hear it all mixed together, it will send chills up your spine. The music is, at times, downright haunting. Other times, it is joyful enough to make you want to join in. There are many warm and comical moments.

This next picture is not that of an actor, but our pastor! An original musical would not be possible without an original composer and conductor. Assumption Grotto's pastor, Fr. Eduard Perrone, used his composition skills for the symphony and the choir parts (see press release at the bottom of this post). Here he is conducting the symphony during the dress rehearsal.

I give you now a peak behind stage and in other areas of support in the gym. We have a retired carpenter in the parish who worked with an entire team of young people and other volunteers to construct &paint moveable set pieces. The stage crew, which includes performers between acts, then works to remove some things and add others as needed for each scene.

While you will see many performers on stage singing and acting, there are many more people behind stage in support roles handling lights, curtains, makeup, microphone wiring, and much more. There is seamstress backstage working with costumes. On the gym floor is an elaborate sound system run by another team of volunteers with skill in this area. And, at the back of the gym is Grotto's associate, Fr. John, running a slideshow projector with text for each number sung. It is truly amazing how all of this chaos has turned itself into well-running machine.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Microphones, hair and makeup....

Here is the press release which is on the Assumption Grotto website:

Detroit Pastor PRODUCES broadway style musical TO PROMOTE priesthood and religious life.

Detroit, mi, november 10, 2008: 30 years ago, Rev. Eduard Perrone, pastor of Assumption Grotto Catholic Church in Detroit, announced to his famous father, renowned big band musician Phil Perrone, that he had decided to enter the seminary, his father exclaimed that the music community had lost a “great one”. But today, the Rev. Perrone is making history from his Detroit parish by producing wholesome family musicals in the grand tradition of the great classics.

“It’s not just good music.” Rev. Perrone says, “What last year’s musical, Palla Eius and this year’s new musical, called The Heritance, represent is what we hope will be the beginning of a Catholic cultural renaissance, beginning in Detroit and spreading throughout the world. We desperately need this genre of theatre given the immense influx of filth and violence of so many contemporary films, music and stage productions which have not resisted even unto attacking the Catholic Church and the priesthood.”

To assure the success of the musical productions, Rev. Perrone has teamed up with Detroiters from the international entertainment community. Joe Maher, a producer of live entertainment from Hollywood; Sonja Krolik, a choreographer and dancer from Broadway; Emmy and Grammy Award winner Ed Wolfrum who engineered the sound for the great Motown hits of the 60’s; and the music during the performances will be accompanied by members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

“There’s a lamentable void in the Church’s involvement in the arts today, even though the Church formerly has been a great promoter of them. This deficiency has resulted in the proverbial ‘vacuum’ for evil to take ascendancy in film, TV, literature, vulgar music, etc. From time to time we need incentives to our faith. The arts should help supply for this. We need a Catholic cultural revival!” Rev. Perrone said.

The new musical, The Heritance, will be performed at Assumption Grotto Catholic Parish, 13770 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48205 on Wednesday, December 3rd at 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 5th at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 7th at 3:00 p.m. Call the Assumption Grotto Rectory for tickets: (313) 372-0762. Ticket prices are $30 per family; $10 per adult; $7.00 per teen; $3.00 per child and Children 6 and under are free. There is free lighted and secured parking.

Real Catholic TV also plugged the event on their December 1, 2008 News segment.

It starts at about 4:30 into this broadcast. Click here to watch (the link mentioned by Vic takes you directly to the press release on the Grotto website that I provided above).

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The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Palla Eius - the Crowd

Folks, the crowd was incredible today. People were still looking for a place to park at 3:15. The start time was pushed back to allow people time to flow in. Every available chair in the building was brought into the gym, and that wasn't enough. One set of bleachers had to be opened (and the photo below doesn't do it justice because it was completely full a few minutes later).

I'll be able to share more pictures taken at dress rehearsals in recent weeks now that the performance is over. I did not want to give away the set and props. However, for now, I leave you with just these because it is time for me to head off to bed!

As you will see below, Detroit Auxiliary Bishop John M. Quinn came to this afternoon's performance. There were also several other visiting priests in the audience, some seen in pictures here, including Fr. Val!

This first shot is only a fraction of the south end of the gym. I could not get the full shot. My little 6ft high station was surrounded with chairs.







Several members of the choir could not be there this afternoon, but helped at other performances.


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