Depardieu preaches Augustine to cynical French

BY CHRISTINA WHITE
ONE OF THE heroes of French cinema has begun his mission to bring St Augustine of Hippo to the people with a series of public readings of his works.
Speaking in Paris last Sunday, actor Gerard Depardieu launched the European leg of his campaign to repopularise the North African bishop, one of the doctors of the Church.
He has described his mission as "a way of enriching the faithful worldwide" and chose a recitation from St Augustine's Confessions, a work famous for the line, "Lord, make me chaste, but not yet".
M.Depardieu said he hopes to speak in churches, mosques and public arenas around the world. "My dream would be to read St Augustine at the Wailing Wall," he said before the reading at Notre Dame Cathedral.
Depardieu, who achieved international status as the star of Jean de Florette and The Return of Martin Guerre, has played many roles in the course of his career, including Obelix, compatriot of A.sterix the Gaul, In spite of earlier reports that he was keen to make a biopic of Augustine's life — he is said to have discussed plans with Cardinal Poupard, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture — M. Depardieu insisted his interest in the saint is not professional. He said he did not want to portray Augustine on screen but wanted to "give him voice".
The actor "discovered" the writings of Augustine several years ago and identified with his transformation from wild child to holy man. Augustine born, in 354, led a dissolute life before discovering God.
The Pope likened Depaniieu to St Augustine when they met in 2000. Actor, like saint, has a prominent nose.