History of the Franciscan Mystery Plays
A Non-Profit Corporation of Holy Name Province
History
This unique concept of a multi-media special presentation of the Way of the Cross began OVER 25 years ago, when Fr. Fred Pompei, my brother, who is also a Priest in the diocese of Syracuse, New York, attempted to dramatize the stations of the Cross because of the diminished numbers attending the Lenten devotions in his parish. With only one light and a few parish youngsters he managed to capture the imagination of his parishoners. Then he shared it with me and I began to add more music and new forms of lighting and reworked the mediations.
What started off as a simple desire to help local parishoners experience the passion of Jesus, ended up to be a very inspirational vehicle that the Lord has used to bless thousands of people, young and old. Since that early time back in 1976, the mystery play ministry has gone far beyond its first intentions.
Presently, there are eleven operating groups in the northeast United States,
in Colorado, in California, and in Florida. Needless to say, with 15 or
so high school students required to do the play, a large number of young
people have participated in the play over the last 15 years (close to
1,000).
In 1988, the new version with updated meditations and music was introduced to the northern New Jersey area. From there new groups were started and new plays written and produced.
1990-91 |
New Hampshire group formed: "The Way of the Cross" |
1992-93 |
Buffalo, New York group formed: "The Way of the Cross" |
1993-94 |
Buffalo, New York new play: "The Birth of Jesus: A Franciscan Christmas" |
1994-95 |
Syracuse, New York group formed: "The Way of the Cross" |
1995-96 |
Glassboro, New Jersey group formed: "The Way of the Cross" |
1995-97 |
Clayton, New York group formed: "The Way of the Cross" |
1997-98 |
Blackwood, New Jersey group formed, new play: "Jesus the Healer" |
1997-99 |
Clayton, New York changes to: "Jesus the Healer" |
2000-01 |
New Hampshire group changes
to: "Jesus the Healer" |
2001 |
Syracuse, New York retired |
2001-02 |
Aurora, Colorado group formed: "The Way of the Cross" |
2002-03 |
Richmond, California group formed: "The Way of the Cross" |
2003-04 |
Cape Coral, Florida group formed: "The Way of the Cross" |
2004-05 |
Manchester, New Hampshire Group formed: "The Mysteries of Light" |
Experience
I am truly privileged to be given this ministry by the Lord that reaches many people. Without the Lord it would all be a waste of time, but His constant support and blessing for this work has made it the life-giving experience that it is.
The mystery play itself is unique in that it is not really a play, but a powerful meditation and prayer. It has a remarkable ability to capture the imagination and emotions of its viewers. It's like traveling back 2000 years and being present at what actually happened. Unlike other plays done about Jesus' passion and death, the characters in this one have no lines and their faces are intentionally hidden beneath costumes and deep lighting. This enables the viewer not to be distracted by physical or verbal portrayals of characters. Instead, through special effects, lighting, a moving soundtrack, and sensitive mediations from an unseen source, the focus remains on what is happening within the viewer as they experience the Lord's passion and presence.
Also, of great importance is the wonderful effect the mystery play has on the young people involved in it. Over the years there has been great bonding and a real faith awakening for most of the youngsters involved. Each group prays for an hour before a presentation and the depth of sharing is incredible and something that renews me every year. I myself must say that I have been amazed at how the Lord has really used this play to open people, both young and old to faith, forgiveness, healing, and a new enthusiasm. A lot of emphasis in Church circles today is directed to youth, and always with questions about what do we do to pass on our faith to young people. Needless to say there are many effective ways that are being employed by the Lord, and most assuredly this is one of them. Though the play is for both adult and young people, teens are the actual players and this fact makes it a very important evangelical vehicle. For a young person to see other young people not only participating in a religious play and praying, but dedicating months of preparation can be better than a hundred sermons.
Another important tradition in the mystery play is the invitation for anyone who wants to, to join us for either shared prayer or individual prayers for healing at the foot of the cross when the play is ended. Wonderful and deeply moving things are prayed for there. It has become a time of real union with the Lord, a time for healing, renewal, and bonding.
Lastly, we are a non-profit organization. Any viewer will see that we have a lot of sophisticated and expensive equipment involved in this mystery play. If you add the travel costs, we have a real need for support. At the same time we don't charge an admission, but have a bucket at the exits of the Church for those who want to make an offering to keep our ministry on the road.
I'll just end by saying that in all sincerity, "You won't be disappointed if you come." It will prove to be a highlight Lenten, Healing, and Christmas experience for you. As the Flyer says: "DON'T MISS IT"!
Fr. Francis Pompei, ofm
Author and Director