Unique event presents novel mixture of theology and entertainment
The B.C. Catholic
With a flash of light and a puff of smoke, a youth-pastor-turned-illusionist will appear, to share God’s transforming message through captivating illusions.
“Illusions break down (emotional) walls really quickly, so when you share God’s words, you really connect” with the audience, illusionist Danny Ray said. “I’ve seen thousands of people come together in Christ, and make choices to start a new path.”
Ray worked as a youth pastor for 10 years, but felt God was calling him to put together two of his passions: creating illusions and evangelizing.
“It all started out of Rom 11:29; that God’s gifts and His callings are irrevocable,” he said. “God called me to preach to people, and I also had the gift of sleight of hand. When I read that verse, I was compelled to blend these two gifts together.”
Ray’s act balances the visual elements of illusions with the merciful lessons of Christ. “There are several pieces of the show that deal with acts of mercy, and try to connect who God is and His merciful art,” said Ray. He hopes his upcoming performances will inspire people to choose mercy over harbouring bitterness about people who have caused harm.
“We wanted to open our doors to the diocese to do something a little different in this Year of Mercy,” Father James Hughes, the pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Vancouver, said. When the priest saw Ray’s performance last year he realized this was a way to reach Catholic families through an unusual approach.
“St. Patrick’s Parish is a very active community, and we wanted to commemorate this extraordinary year with an extraordinary event,” he said. “As important as it is to have spiritual events during this Year of Mercy, this type of event is thinking outside the box.”
The event “is the first of its kind in Vancouver,” he added. “Danny Ray’s performance is riveting and moving, and we’re excited for Danny to bring his captivating, world-class illusions and poignant presentation of God’s word to us.”
Niela Melanio, an event organizer, said the purpose of the event is to speak of the important messages of the Jubilee Year of Mercy.
“From watching his videos and from what Father James shared with me after he saw Danny’s performances, the presentation is very impactful,” she said. The performance had “mind-boggling illusions used to illustrate God’s powerful message about mercy and forgiveness.”
The show will run April 23 and 24 at St. Patrick’s in Vancouver. More information and tickets are available at www.actsofmercy.eventbrite.ca or at 604-874-7818.
