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CBCP PRESENTS PLAY ON POPE JOHN PAUL II
FILIPINOS have always had a soft spot in their hearts for Pope John Paul II and the Roman Catholic pontiff similarly loved
the Philippines. That's why, when the revered pope passed away, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines' decided to honor him by producing a play on his inspiring and eventful life.
CBCP executive director Monsignor Hernando M. Coronel and Office on Women executive secretary Zenaida V. Rotea, MD asked
acclaimed theater artist Nestor U. Torre to write and direct " 'Be Not Afraid' – Pope John Paul II," a touring and fundraising production, which will have its invitational gala performance on Nov. 8 at
the Shrine of the Way, the Truth and the Life, Reclamation Area, Pasay City.
The production topbills popular veteran performing artists Boots Anson-Roa and Tommy Abuel, with theater stalwarts Rito
Asilo, Andy Bais, Karla Pambid and Danny Magisa, and gifted newcomers Robby Romero, Angela Atienza, Trish Katipunan, Katherine Estabillo, Cecil Torre and Myka Torre in important roles.
Nestor Torre's script presents a felt and insightful view of Pope John Paul II's life, revealing telling details that many
people are unaware of.
Fr. James B. Reuter, SJ, was asked by the CBCP to read Torre's script, and his evaluation concludes" "Nestor Torre's play,
'Be Not Afraid – Pope John Paul II', is excellent. It is based on magnificent research. The presentation is very human.
"It will inform the audience, beautifully, about facets of the life of John Paul which are hardly known.
The dialogue is superb. And the whole life of the Holy Father is presented with great reverence."
"The play is entertaining, informative, and writing it was a favor to the Catholic Church."
For his part, Torre shares that he was inspired to write "Be Not Afraid"
as a tribute to an exceptional prelate who had the heart of a theater artist and was a great communicator, hence the unusually great reach and impact of his papacy.
Torre has been presenting religious production all over the country, inspiring thousands of viewers to enhance their own
spirituality. His popular and acclaimed religious plays and musicals include "Magnificat" and "Nasaan si Hesus?" "Birhen ng Caysasay" and "Padre Pio".
"Be Not Afraid" will be staged all over the country as a fundraiser for the CBCP's many important projects, to honor the
late pontiff, and to evangelize. Sets and costumes are by Tony Adriano.
If you want "Be Not Afraid" to be performed for your parish, school, community, office or organization, call the CBCP
Secretariat – 527-8031 / 527-4054, Office on Women – 527-8031/5271925 or Andy Bais at 780-9210 or 0919-2065424.
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