HOLY FAMILY GROUP STAGES MUSICAL ON THE LIFE OF POPE FRANCIS
HOLY Family Youth Group is still walking on air having performed their gospel musical “A Little Bit of Francis” at the World Meeting of Families in the RDS last Thursday night.
Thirty members of the group, along with musical directors Amie Dyer and Ciara Brannigan, Fr David Bradley, and youth leaders Emma Woods, Rachel Flood, Rita McArdle and Lorraine Vaughey (wardrobe) attended the meeting, as an audience of over 300 enjoyed their performance.
“It was absolutely amazing, and the kids were so excited, they’ll be talking about it for months to come,” says Rachel Flood, who wrote the musical along with Fr David and Emma. “Everyone who saw it said it was brilliant, something really different, and we were delighted to have been part of such a special occasion.”
The 50-minute musical which is based on the life of Pope Francis, tells the story of Jorge Bergoglio (Pope Francis) starting out in Argentina and taking us to Rome and the Papacy.
The group devised a script and music selection that is Gospel relevant, fun and interesting, with Nathan Chambers taking on the title role of Pope Francis.
“The first performance was in May and we had a very special one last Tuesday, when over 500 people came along to join in the St Mary’s joint celebrations with Ballsgrove church,” explains Rachel, who has appeared many times in previous musicals and pantomimes.
“Everyone in the group had a say in the music and our hope was that by the end of the performance people would feel enthused, energised and challenged to proclaim the Joy of the Gospel.”
The youth group is made up of students aged 12-16 from all school across the town, including Marymount, St John’s, St Paul’s, Greenhills, Sacred Heart and St Oliver’s. And not only did over 800 people enjoy the musical, but a potential audience of billions now awaits!
“There was a crew from Shalom World TV, and they filmed the show,” added Rachel proudly.
“They could be showing it all over the world, so the boys and girls could become global superstars!”