St. Genesius

A while back I came across a little known saint named St. Genesius. He was an actor in the 3rd century and a pagan-turned-Christian at the most peculiar time.

In the Old Testament, God gave his prophets the gifts to perform great deeds in His Name at the moment of the greatest effect. All of Egypt bore witness to the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. It seems that the conversion of the pagans was no different. St. Genesius researched Christianity and wrote play to mock it, so that he could earn the attention of Emperor Diocletian and possibly a position as performer of the Emperial Court. The aspect he was mocking in his play was Baptism, and at the moment when water was poured on his head, his mind was opened to the fullness of truth. He began evangelizing on the spot!

Emperor Diocletian was less than pleased. His hatred for Christianity was well known. Genesius was ordered to be "punished" for his actions. Genesius held fast to his new-found faith and continued to evangelize throughout his suffering.

After his execution, his body was claimed by a group of Christians, and he was buried in a special place with the other martyrs of that location.

That was not the end of his story. News of his conversion spread, and another Genesius rose up the ranks. He was named for the actor and followed his example. He became the Emperor's secretary and refused to record the "glorious deeds" the involved the execution of Christians. He, too, was martyred. He, too, was honored as a saint.

St. Genesius of Rome has been an inspiration for 1707 years, and today we still seek his intercession in matters of music, theater, and cinema. This is why he is the patron of Holy Heart Media!

St. Genesius, PRAY FOR US!

Opening Night & No Cast To Be Found

Scene 1

Scene opens with Director and Writer setting up the stage and taking care of last minute details.

DIRECTOR: Where is the podium?

WRITER: Behind you, to the left.

Director turns, sees it, and places it at center stage. Pair finish the stage dressing and brush themselves off. They take a moment to admire their handiwork.

DIRECTOR: So, when does the cast arrive?

WRITER: (looks at watch) 25 minutes ago.

Director nods. Both pause. Then they look at each other, shocked.

DIRECTOR: 25 minutes ago?! But, the show?!

WRITER: Maybe they're in the library with Colonel Mustard and the wrench.

DIRECTOR: Well?! (waves her off) Go look!

Writer runs off. Director crosses his arms, shakes his head, and sighs. Writer runs back.

WRITER: No cast there. Should I check the conservatory? I never did trust that Miss Scarlet.

DIRECTOR: No, that won't be necessary. How much time until curtain?

WRITER: (looks at watch) Five minutes ago.

Director and Writer share a look of horror and slowly turn to face the audience.

DIRECTOR: (smiles grandly) Welcome to the show. Before we begin, I'd like to share a few words about the program.

Director walks calmly to the podium and grips the edges tightly. Writer inches stage right a few paces before running the rest of the way.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Opening Night & No Cast To Be Found

Welcome to Holy Heart Media's first interactive play. As you read each post, please tweet what you want to happen next. Your ideas may fuel the next installment. Enjoy!