Preaching through theatre, dance, music and the arts Redemptorist Fathers Lenny Delgado, C.Ss.R. (a professional actor and stage director) and Arthur Wendel, C.Ss.R. (a trained musician) celebrated the turn of the millennium by forming the Alphonsian Center for Spirituality Through the Arts (ACTSA). The goal is to minister to the world and to preach the Gospel through the medium of song and theater. It is very much a contemporary way of preaching that is rooted in the life and spirituality of St Alphonsus. Father Lenny and Father Arthur make classes affordable on a small scale when they can in acting, music, and other arts. "The goal is very specific," says Father Lenny, "getting in touch with our own internal spirit, God's Spirit, through art and sharing that spirit with society. Thus, art becomes a tool for evangelization." Initially Fathers Lenny and Arthur began ACTSA in their parish, Most Holy Redeemer in Manhattan. Father Arthur taught voice lessons, Father Lenny taught acting, and a guest artist taught watercolor painting. After a successful first year, they branched out to St. Cecilia's Parish in East Harlem and Immaculate Conception Parish in the South Bronx. These parish programs all succeeded and grew to include photo exhibits and readings from local artists. The Liguorian Players, a troupe of professional actors, is the most recent product of ACTSA. "We wanted to produce and direct plays that were spiritual, as opposed to religious, in nature," remarks Fr. Lenny. "We have a wealth of plays that are basically about the human heart and soul … stories about how we interact with each other and their effect in our daily lives." Fr. Lenny placed an ad in Backstage in search of actors who wanted to combine their craft and spirituality. "I was overwhelmed by the response. I had to sift through 300 pictures and resumes. It left me with the impression that many actors are in touch with the sacredness of their craft. What a wonderful thing!" The Liguorian Players, have performed small productions (including Lenten and Christmas shows) and a full-length play ("Edith Stein") in churches, a college, and retreat house in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. The plays - and the professional actors in this company - touch the heart and soul. Upcoming projects: February 2005: "Edith Stein," by Arthur Giron, Merrimack College, North Andover, MA. March 2005: Arts Festival, Most Holy Redeemer Church, New York, N.Y. For more information call or email Fr. Lenny Delgado, Holy Redeemer 212-673-4224 LennyDelgado@aol.com