No Greater Love, a vibrant musical drama that celebrates the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, will be performed at St Rose Parish, 46 Church Hill Road, on Sunday, April 6 at 7:30 pm.

The production is by The Xavier Company, a regional theater arts organization renowned for performances that encompass artistic excellence and faith-based themes. St Rose will be the only parish in the area to host the exceptional event that illuminates the story of the Passion of Jesus Christ.

“We are so excited to host this special performance for our entire community,” says Father Peter Cipriani, pastor of St Rose Parish.

“As Catholics, we hold sacred the Lenten season and celebration of Jesus’ rising from the dead,” he said, “and this is a way to bring it to life in an exuberant realistic performance.”

The musical is being performed in church sanctuaries through the tri-state area this Lenten season. Pasqualino Beltempo plays the role of Jesus, and Nikki Casseri plays Mary. No Greater Love also features Katie King, Valerie Mark, Brandon Schraml, Rebekah Rawhauser, Jeremiah Williams, and Tony Bartoli.

Under the direction of Dr Carol Ferrone and musical direction by Gerard DeMan, The Xavier Company is a unique group of artists in residence at St Francis Xavier Church in New York City. The professionally trained actors, singers and dancers perform original works focused on themes of faith and social justice.

Founded in 1982, The Xavier Company is celebrating its 42nd anniversary of performing arts ministry in the tri-state area. The company is renowned for performances that display both spiritual content and artistic excellence.

In a review in The Ecumenist, Father John Kelly praised No Greater Love for its multicultural cast. He called the production “an impressive and moving rendition of the passion, which qualifies as a hymn of reconciliation.”

Fr Kelly added the production is free of anti-Semitic overtones found in other Passion plays.

St Rose Parish’s active ministries work to bring special events to the Parish that celebrate the Catholic faith and encourage parishioners to grow closer in their relationship to God. Lent and Easter are especially busy with many events and ways to worship the liturgical season.

“We have so many things happening to help us reflect and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” says Cipriani. “But this performance is an incredible way to witness our faith right in front of our eyes.”

All are welcomed and encouraged to attend the performance. The event is free, with goodwill donations gratefully accepted.

Reservations are not needed but additional information may be available by calling 203-426-9024 or visiting strosechurch.com.