Southern Nebraska Register
A cast of 30 youth and adults from nine Lincoln-area parishes is preparing to perform “Jacques Fesch,” a play written and directed by Patsy Urbanovsky, a member of St. Mary Parish in Denton.
The play follows the experiences of Servant of God Jacques Fesch (1930-1957). The young man was convicted of the murder of a police officer, yet experienced a dramatic spiritual transformation after more than three years of solitary confinement in a French prison. His prison journals reveal a man whose life was changed by God’s reconciling and healing love.
“Jacques Fesch’s story is an incredible illustration of God’s mercy and forgiveness,” Urbanovsky said.
Through the powerful influence of three devout men— a prison chaplain, a Benedictine monk and a lawyer—Fesch came to know the love and mercy of God. In his words, “I am saved in spite of myself; I am being taken out of this world because I was lost in it. The punishment that awaits me is not a debt that I have to repay, but a gift that the Lord is giving me.”
The group preparing the play has a broad list of past productions, including “Frassati” about St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, “An Act of Reparation” about Bl. Franz Jagerstatter, “The Knights about Bl. Michael McGivney and the founding of the Knights of Columbus,” “The Leseur Love Story” about Elisabeth and Felix Leseur, and “The Pearl of York” about St. Margaret Clitherow.
The production will be held at The Vinton Family Barn, 1800 SW. 56th St., Lincoln. Performances will be Oct. 2, 3 and 4 at 7 p.m., and Oct. 5 at 2 p.m.
Free-will donations will be accepted, but tickets must be reserved in advance. They are available at frassati.eventbrite.com, or by calling Sandra at (402) 937-4467.
Urbanovsky noted the play contains mature themes, given Fesch’s experiences. Those with questions may contact Sandra for more information.
