ROME, MAY 28, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The irresistible quest for God was brought to the stage by Gérard Depardieu when he recited passages of St. Augustine of Hippo in Rome’s Argentine Theater.
The French actor was continuing a world tour, after John Paul II once told him that he saw many similarities between him and the bishop, philosopher and theologian. St. Augustine lived from 354 to 430.
«St. Augustine goes beyond mere recitation; he carries one within to make one discover what he feels, his faith in life, the faith of experiencing that there is Another,» Depardieu told Vatican Radio.
The passages chosen by Depardieu and introduced by Cardinal Paul Poupard, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, are reflections on time, that space where God enters the history of man.
«I have realized that with St. Augustine I finally lived without anxiety, as St. Augustine loves life and believes in life. God, who creates life, exists,» Depardieu added.
The actor said he discovered the saint of Hippo following meetings with the Pope and with Cardinal Poupard. Then, to study the saint further, he appealed to Latinist André Mondouze, «who indicated the way to me.»
After reciting passages at Notre Dame in Paris and at a Protestant church of Louvre, Depardieu now hopes to do so in a mosque and a synagogue, «as St. Augustine spoke to all free of fundamentalism.»
