OMAHA, Neb., June 26, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- "Restoring the Sacred: St. John Cantius," a StoryTel documentary about the inspiring and stunning revival of a Chicago parish that first aired last month on EWTN Global Catholic Television Network, struck such a powerful chord with viewers that requests for DVDs of the program poured into StoryTel's email and phone lines for several days after the broadcast. The program is the first in a series of made-for-television documentaries, called "On Assignment", produced by StoryTel Foundation. EWTN will air the documentary again on July 1, 2009 at 10:30 PM EDT (7:30 PM PDT).
In this documentary, produced by StoryTel in association with IHS Productions and EWTN Global Catholic Network, "On Assignment" investigates how St. John Cantius, an all but abandoned, slated for the wrecking ball, historic church with less than 200 parishioners, became a beautiful, thriving parish, a destination point for visitors from all over the world, commonly referred to as "a treasure of Chicago," with more than 3,000 parishioners and home to a growing new religious order, six choirs, regularly scheduled full orchestra Masses and much more -- all because of the remarkable vision of one man who inspired many others around him.
Once an integral part of Chicago's Northwest side, the parish had fallen victim to numerous street and freeway expansions. For nearly 30 years the old church attracted more pigeons than people. Salvation from utter destruction came at the eleventh hour when Fr. Frank Phillips, a priest with no parish experience, was appointed pastor. Fr. Phillips, in cooperation with God's grace, changed the course of Chicago history.
"What's so exciting about this story," says Don Carney, the film's producer and director, "is that a viewer is transformed and inspired himself as he witnesses the stunning changes that took place, the way people came out of nowhere to participate, overcoming all setbacks along the way ... It's a compelling story that happened because one person said 'yes' to God."
"We are pleased with the audience response," adds Mr. Carney. "It points to the hunger in our communities for inspiration, beauty and spiritual purpose. We are delighted that people will be able to see the program again on EWTN."
Masterfully filmed and presented, with key scenes underscored by the hauntingly beautiful sacred music of St. John Cantius orchestra and choirs, "On Assignment's" visual telling of this incredible true story will leave viewers believing in miracles.
For more information about StoryTel Foundation, go to StoryTel.org.
About StoryTel Foundation: StoryTel Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating compelling productions that tell the uncommon stories of those entities and individuals who restore the sacred, inspiring reverence to God and the things of God. The Foundation's new "On Assignment" series, produced for television, captures dramatic, transformative and true stories of the Divine at work in the world through the humble "yes" of men and women today and throughout history. These stories uplift the human spirit and inspire others to greatness. To learn more, go to www.StoryTel.org.
"On Assignment", produced by StoryTel Foundation, is an investigative television series that spotlights true stories of God's work in our world.