| "Personally Speaking," various dates, NBC By Anne Navarro
Catholic News Service
NEW YORK (CNS) -- When so many Hollywood celebrities are speaking
out at political rallies or protesting the use of fur in fashion,
it is refreshing to see three successful actors enthusiastically
talking about the importance of faith in their lives. Msgr. Jim
Lisante hosts the enjoyable and thought-provoking program, "Personally
Speaking," with guests Dom DeLuise, Catherine Hicks and
Michael Badalucco.
The hourlong special can be seen on NBC affiliates; check local
listings for dates and times or contact the local NBC-TV affiliate
for a schedule.
Actor-comedian DeLuise is quirky and lively as he sips coffee
and chats with Msgr. Lisante about the joy of seeing his three
grown sons succeed in life. He talks endearingly about his beloved
mother, from whom he received his sense of humor and the gift
of faith. It is clear that along with his enduring faith comedy
has helped DeLuise through the good times and bad. With his distinctive
beard and a sporty white cap, DeLuise is as comfortable discussing
his grandchildren's antics as he is the Blessed Virgin Mary --of
whom he has statues all over his home. His antidote for road
rage: praying the Hail Mary.
TV mom and star of the WB network's "7th Heaven," Hicks
is candid as she confesses how her life perspective has changed
since she had her daughter. Hicks shares how important she feels
a Catholic education is in teaching her daughter the value of
prayer. She encourages folks to have an active prayer life --
like sending e-mails to God, she says -- to deal with the craziness
in life. She also believes in the value of social action. For
Hicks, it's not just enough to pray to our Lord and to the saints;
we must put our Christian teachings into action.
Articulate, easygoing and humble, Badalucco hasn't wandered
far from his roots as a high school student at Brooklyn's Xaverian
High School. The Emmy award-winning star of the ABC television
drama, "The Practice," credits his faith with getting
him through the disappointments and rejections of his more than
20-year career in Hollywood. In a world where some feel the sacrament
of confession seems outdated and downright unnecessary, Badalucco
defends it as a tool for self-reflection and an acknowledgment
of God's power to forgive and heal.
Highlighting the guests without gimmicks or pretense, "Personally
Speaking" is a welcome break from shallow, self-promoting
talk shows. All three of Msgr. Lisante's guests are amiable,
grounded and happy to be Catholic. They are a good example to
us all, but especially to the young, that no matter where life
leads Christ's presence in our lives and hearts is a blessing.
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Navarro is a part-time reviewer in the Office for Film & Broadcasting
of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Copyright (c) 2003 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of
Catholic Bishops
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