Mother of Good Counsel Seminary stages 'Susmaryosep!'

KUDOS to the Mother of Good Counsel Seminary Philosophy Department for coming up this year with another endearing theatre production that shows a satirical, comic, heartwarming and enlightening look in Filipino faith and religiosity.

Aptly entitled "Susmaryosep!" it shows how Filipinos draw a demarcation line between church worship and ordinary life; that outside the church, the moral elements of religious teachings are already put into oblivion.

Directed by Seminarian Alvin Joseph Caseja, the play is in line with Pope Benedict XVI's proclamation of the Year of the Faith and National Bible Week celebration.

It also shows the Filipinos' tendency of dichotomizing faith and action in their worship, piety and ordinariness of life. It emphasizes the religiosity turned fanaticism and legalistic pietism of the Filipino society.

Caseja said this kind of attitude is exemplified by the Banal Family. The story revolves around them who are very much active in church activities so much so that every member belongs to each church organization except to the youngest, Daniel (whose role will be played by Sem. Gale Andrew Lacsina), the protagonist.

He is a shy-type and quiet person whose humble religious attitude will serve as a wake-up call to the family's deceitful acts and demoralizing condition.

Using the word of God as a guide which he relates in every event transpiring in their lives, Daniel tries to influence his family to reform their lives and re-examine the purity of their intentions in serving God. His enormous efforts to urge his family to put their religious pietism into practice are very much highlighted in the play.

"Timely and relevant it is. It will surely excite the curiosity of the faithful. It aids as a re-awakening for those whose faith is so bounded on mere obligation and showmanship," Caseja said.

The first show was held at the Mother of Good Counsel Seminary Auditorium last January 24, 2013 (Thursday) coinciding with the celebration of the National Bible Week.

The second run will be on February 22, 2013 at 4 p.m., at the University of the Assumption Gymnasium, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

For further inquiries, please call Sem. Aldrin Tayag or Sem. Joseph Galang at 09157818636