About the Plays

About the Franciscan Mystery Plays

The Franciscan Mystery Plays are dramatic multi-media presentations of "The Way of the Cross", "The Birth of Jesus", and "Jesus, the Healer". They are offered in several churches in the northeast United States and in the Denver area during the Advent and Lenten seasons.

Written and directed by Father Francis Pompei, ofm, a Franciscan Friar from Holy Name Province and staff member of St. Francis Inn soup kitchen, Philadelphia, the Mystery Plays are made up of approximately 12-16 teenagers and 4-6 adults. The performances are in the tradition of the medieval Mystery Plays that were frequently sponsored by franciscans who advocated popularizing scriptural events.

The Mystery Plays call for no speaking parts. Through the use of special lighting, inspirational music, drama, and soul-searching meditations, a person is able to get in touch with themselves; their goodness, struggles, and their sins. Then, in a very unique way it becomes a prayerful vehicle for the Lord's spirit to Forgive, Heal, Renew and give Peace.

The Way of the Cross

This presentation follows the journey of the Stations of the Cross in Jesus passion and death. The meditations draw from the events and action the Lord's presence and message for us, and the world we live in today. The mystery play becomes a concrete experience of the Lord's love for each of us and an instrument for Jesus to forgive, heal, and give new life.
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Jesus the Healer

This presentation is just what the title says. It is a living-guided meditation on all aspects of human suffering, mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. It deals with the overwhelming experiences of physical pain, sin and scars from our past, chronic, emotional, and terminal illness. The Lord will lead us to our painful experiences of grief and the loss of loved ones and death itself. Then, in a way that only our God could do, the Lord reveals His healing presence to all this suffering and offers the experience of hope, healing, and peace. At the conclusion of this presentation there is an opportunity for people to come forward for individual prayers for healing with the mystery players. This mystery play was written to give hope and healing to people who are suffering and broken. It makes for a wonderful parish or community healing service.
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The Birth of Jesus: A Franciscan Christmas

This presentation is based on St. Francis' recreation of the Nativity at Greccio, Italy, over 800 years ago. The Christmas mystery play is not a Christmas pageant, but attempts to portray the events surrounding the Lord's birth as real as possible, from the birth to the slaughter of the innocence. Because of this, it may not be for small children. The Birth of Jesus was written to renew the real meaning of Christmas, and in such a way that it can speak it's true message to our hearts, the world we live in, and our daily lives. It seems the Lord uses the Christmas Mystery play to bring people to a real sense of peace during the usual busy and hectic holidays.
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