Leonardo Defilippis, a renowned Shakespearean actor, embarked on a profound spiritual journey that led him to establish a Catholic theater company, Saint Luke Productions, in 1980. Throughout his illustrious career, he has captivated millions of audiences across the United States, Canada, and Europe as an actor, producer, and film director. His impressive performances have taken place in a diverse range of venues, including churches, major theaters, civic centers, penitentiaries, schools, and even cloistered convents.
Notably, Leonardo has had the privilege of performing at World Youth Day in Denver and Rome, and his work has inspired numerous vocations to the religious life. Over the years, he has received numerous awards for his outstanding contributions to the world of theater and film. One of his most ambitious projects was the direction, production, and distribution of the feature film Thérèse, which marked a significant milestone as the first motion picture distributed solely by an independent Catholic film company.
Leonardo is also the host of Benedictus Moments, a daily radio and web series that features profound meditations by Pope Benedict XVI. This program airs on Catholic radio networks nationwide and has been a source of inspiration for countless listeners. He continues to tour with Vianney and Maximilian: Saint of Auschwitz, and his most recent drama, Tolton: From Slave to Priest, tells the remarkable story of America's first Black priest.
In his personal life, Leonardo is deeply devoted to his family. He married his beloved wife Patti on August 6, 1983, the Feast of the Transfiguration, and they have been blessed with seven children. The family resides in Washington State.
Leonardo's philosophy on life is rooted in his unwavering faith and trust in God. He believes that when he steps out in faith to serve God, even in the face of seemingly impossible tasks, God works miracles through his inadequate abilities. This has been the story of his life, and he continues to pray that God will always find him willing to do His Will.
