Social Media as Portals of Faith and Faith in “Life of Pi”

As I posted earlier, the theme for the Church’s celebration of World Communications Day this Sunday is: Social Networks: Portals of Truth and Faith; New Spaces for Evangelization. I was privileged to be able to share a few of my thoughts on the Message for the 47th World Communications Day in the Catholic Register–available in this week’s print and online edition here. My favorite quote from the Message from Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is: “Effective communication, as in the parables of Jesus, must involve the imagination and the affectivity of those we wish to invite to an encounter with the mystery of God’s love.”

This week, I also talked on Salt + Light Radio with Deacon Pedro about two films that most people would have thought “unfilmable.” First, the life of the Polish “Solidarity priest” and martyr, Blessed Jerzy Poieluszko, titled Popieluszko: Freedom Is Within Us. How hard it is to make a movie about someone who dies a martyr–and yet this is an inspiring and authentic portrayal of this courageous 20th century martyr. Second, the seemingly impossible adaptation of Yann Martel’s imaginative novel, Life of Pi, which has been referred to as a spiritual film by many. Since I ran out of time to talk in-depth about  Life of Pi on the radio show, I’d like to highlight a few insights about it here. I will take special care not to spoil the ending for those who haven’t read the book or seen the film. 

Reflection on Faith in Life of Pi

Life of Pi is the imaginative story of Pi, a young man traveling from India to Canada with his family and the animals from the family zoo. When the ship goes down in the middle of the ocean, Pi ends up on the only lifeboat that stays afloat–along with a Bengal tiger. The making of this film is a huge accomplishment by director Ang Lee, since the novel raises many challenges for a film adaptation. Visually, this film is amazing and beautiful, and I found the adaptation to be faithful to the spirit of the book.  

Faith is a big theme in the film and thus makes it a “window to the soul” of our society today. Born Hindu, Pi embraces Christianity as a boy and then Islam, practicing all three religions at the same time. To see a lovable character discover the Redemption, and to witness his respect and acceptance of all three faiths is heartening in a mainstream film.  Further on in the film, Pi’s faith seems to sustain him throughout the trials of drifting on the ocean in a small boat with only a tiger as companion. 

Yet even as the film seems to be advocating for faith, the faith being explored is not always a Christian faith. Pi’s simplicity in trying to believe and practice all three religions is challenged by his father who explains at the dinner table that believing in all religions is the same as believing in none. The father then advocates for logic and reason as the “ultimate” truth. 

This theme, stated convincingly at the beginning, sets up a false dichotomy between faith and reason–e.g., that truth can be found only in one or the other. In the end, we circle back to this false split which disparages faith. While I don’t want to give away the ending, to me the final question the film raises is not so much about faith, but about this false dichotomy. 

However, the way that Life of Pi brings in faith as a major theme makes it a wonderful launching point to discuss many aspects of faith:

• The misconceptions about faith in today’s secular world—a world that often misunderstands faith and certainly doesn’t see faith in its Christian meaning of a relationship with God.  
• How would we define faith? What is Christian faith (e.g. relating to the Trinity), and how can we express it today in a society that takes very little on faith.
• The misunderstanding that one doesn’t need to choose between faith and reason–they are not opposites, as is so frequently presented in our society that sometimes disparages people of faith. As Catholics, we know that faith is supported by reason, even though faith goes beyond reason. 

Another aspect of the film I would like to highlight is how Life of Pi follows in the tradition of several other very entertaining films that look at the power of storytelling. Although I much prefer Big Fish and Secondhand Lions, Life of Pi  contributes to the cinematic exploration of how telling stories give meaning to our lives.

I don’t recommend this film for younger viewers—it has a few moments that are quite disturbing, in addition to some violence. But older children and adults could certainly enjoy the film. 

For those who are interested, themes included in the film:

• Faith
• Relationship between faith and reason
• Storytelling
• Survival
• Loss
• Hope
• Power of Nature
• Justice
• Forgiveness

Popieluszko: Freedom Is Within Us Is Released to DVD!

The wonderful bio-pic of the life of Father Jerzy Popieluszko that many of you have been waiting for is now available on DVD: Popieluszko: Freedom Is Within Us. You can find it at any Pauline Books & Media Centre across North America–but since it is new and probably popular, you may want to call ahead to reserve your copy. (You can find the locations of all our PBM Centres here.)

Here is a re-post of my original review/commentary of the film:

I attended the second showing of the North American premiere of the Polish film Popieluszko: Freedom Is Within Us. The film courageously attempts to capture the life, character, and brutal murder of the new beatified, Father Jerzy Popieluszko, popularly known in Poland as the “solidarity priest.”

For those who don’t know him, Father Jerzy Popieluszko was born into a devout Catholic family in eastern Poland in 1947. Despite the political atmosphere, he decided to study for the priesthood. After two mandatory years of military service, he was ordained and served in several parishes, finally being assigned to St. Stanislaus Kostka parish in the city of Warsaw. In 1980, Solidarity was born, and Popieluszko was asked to celebrate Mass for the striking workers. He became their chaplain and their champion. On December 31, 1981, the government imposed martial law and started persecuting the leaders of Solidarity. Father Jerzy was tireless in assisting the workers and their families. He also became famous for his widely attended monthly Mass for workers, where he preached about human dignity and the possibility of peaceful change. After several years of intimidation by the government (including arrest, imprisonment, and death-threats), Father Jerzy was brutally murdered by the Polish secret police on October 19, 1984. Here’s a link to a one-page biography: http://saltandlighttv.org/blog/?p=7563

The film, Popieluszko: Freedom Is Within Us, is not always easy to watch–but for those with a little patience, it is compelling and rewarding, because of its artistry, its attempt to “bear witness” to the life of Father Jerzy in a respectful and honest way, and the hope it offers to all who have known oppression.

Artistry
Biopics, when well-done, are probably my favorite genre. But many are so poorly done that they seem to fall into another, separate genre altogether. It is extraordinarily difficult to weave the many strands of a person’s life into one compelling portrait that is also a cohesive story with unity and thematic depth. Poor biopics seem to use the fact that it’s a “true story” as an excuse to avoid this difficult work. Which means good, solid biopics are to be appreciated all the more.

Popieluszko: Freedom Is Within Us achieves this. While the film may not be a “great” film, it compellingly covers the major events of the Father Popieluszko’s life, and gives us glimpses of other, less important events which, nonetheless, give us insight into his character. Actor Adam Woronowicz actually seems to become Popieluszko onscreen, imitating his very gestures. The film is slow in places, even grueling–because during its 2 1/2 hours, we witness an oppressive government’s efforts to crush the soul of the Polish people. But writer/director Rafal Wieczynski skillfully directs the acting and pacing, so that it builds to a powerful end where we not only accompany Fr. Jerzy in his martyrdom for truth, but also begin to grasp the powerful impact this humble man has had, and may continue to have, on so many.

One aspect of artistry which stands out is the filmmakers depth of research and commitment to accuracy.

Accuracy 
The film seems to capture well the tension of those times where it was dangerous to say the rosary with too much devotion, never mind express a political opinion. One interesting facet of the film is the director’s choice to occasionally cut in real historical footage, which, rather than distracting, heightens our awareness that this is a true story.

I know of no other feature film where a cardinal acts as himself onscreen, and yet this is exactly what Cardinal Glemp does. (And the first scene is not so complimentary.) This gives a unique “texture” of authenticity to the scenes where Father Jerzy interacts more directly with his superiors–a texture which otherwise might be hard to believe: that someone so actively and intensely devoted to the spiritual care and the human dignity of his people could combine that with a humility about his own opinions and a real trust in the obedience he has vowed, in the persons of superiors who did not always agree with him.

Another distinction that the film makes is that, while the government called his preaching “political,” Father Jerzy was basing his preaching on the social teaching of the Church. From what I have read, the film actually underplays the intimidation and threats from the government that Father Jerzy suffered in the last years of his life. As the film progresses, we see his awareness and preparedness for giving his life grow dramatically.

Uplifting 
How can a story that ends in a brutal murder be uplifting? Despite my tears and the turbulence I felt at the end of the film, I have been uplifted and inspired since Saturday night. The beautiful strength of the film lies in its gradual revelation of Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko, tracing his spiritual journey of transformation from an ordinary, devoted priest with attitude, into a pastor who grows always more Christlike and, in the end, willingly lays down his life to defend the rights of the people he serves. Father Jerzy Popieluszko’s cause for canonization was introduced in 1997, and he was beatified June 6, 2010.

Popieluszko: Freedom Is Within Us is a powerful and insightful film, well worth viewing. The film is not rated, but due to its violence, the film can be quite disturbing and is not suitable for young children. Made in Poland, the film is in Polish with English subtitles, and is now available on DVD through a Pauline Books & Media Center near you.

The New Evangelization & Communication Conference

I haven’t been online because I took a few days with my family, and I’m frantically editing my next manuscript. I just finished the final proofread, and all I have left is to write the introduction.

However, I didn’t want to let the upcoming ARCCC 2013 Conference pass by unannounced. The Association of Roman Catholic Communicators of Canada is the Canadian affiliate to Signis, the World Catholic Association for Communication, whose mission is to engage media professionals and support Catholic communicators. The theme of ARCCC’s 2013 Conference is: The New Evangelization & Communication, and will be held in Montreal from May 8-10, 2013.

While I regret that I cannot participate this year, I’ve attached the brochure below to encourage others to participate.

And then, when I finish my book’s introduction, I look forward to being back online.

brochure_2013_page_by_page_high_res_filable-1

Easter-infused Writing

Blessed Easter!

Many of us think of January 1st as a day of new beginnings, but the real new beginning for us as believers is Easter. Lent and the Paschal Triduum is a transformative experience that not only forms us spiritually, but as writers. This year, Easter is a true “new beginning” for me as a writer, as I wrap up a major project and look towards beginning several new ones.  But we can choose to allow Easter to shape our writing profoundly every year.

1) Easter directs our hearts to joy.

Pope Francis began his pontificate by inviting us to live in joy because we know Him in whom we have believed. Jesus reveals God’s great love for us in many ways, but nowhere more profoundly than in His Passion and Death and Resurrection. To know that we are loved and cherished, that Jesus desires us to be close to Him, that God’s plan for us is to bring us to a greater joy than we can even imagine–these are causes of great joy for us. Easter gives us the opportunity to focus on the joy  of our lives as Catholics–the joys that we already possess (and sometimes forget about), and the promise of the greatest joy to come.

In a culture obsessed with negativity, scandal, and the seductive power of evil, our Easter joy can give a special “glow” to our writing.

2) Easter wakes us up to God’s surprises.

The women who came to the tomb did not expect the news of Jesus’ Resurrection. The Apostles were so shocked by the women’s news that most of them refused to believe what they said. They were still living the grief and fear of Jesus’ Passion and Death…and the last thing they expected that morning was the earth-quaking news that Jesus had risen from the dead.

God works in so many ways in our lives, but we often miss His saving presence. Many of us suffer from spiritual blindness or deafness: we don’t slow down to listen to the Spirit working within us; we don’t take time to pray and cultivate a genuine relationship with God. Fear also blinds and deafens us to the goodness or the possibilities for new life in the circumstances of our life. We don’t expect to see the Risen Lord, and so we mistake Him for the gardener and walk away… Instead, God wants to surprise us with His loving presence and an invitation to mission.

God can also surprise us in our writing. How often we start writing one thing and as we write, we are led in another direction. On a deep level, some part of us knows what we want to explore or say in our writing; or perhaps it’s not us, but inspiration. Easter can encourage us to follow the unexpected path that God opens for us in the “desert” of a first draft.

3) Easter infuses our writing with a perspective of faith. 

The light of the Resurrection allows us to see our entire lives from the mountaintop of faith–the perspective of eternity. Jesus’ Resurrection enables us to begin to see our whole lives–and the course of history–from the perspective of God’s saving plan. If God could transform the suffering and death of His only Son into the glorious Resurrection, then how much more God can take our sufferings and transform them into new life for us and others?

As writers, we may wrestle with difficult subjects; our writing may need to shine a light on the darkness of evil so that it can be seen for what it is. But shining a light on something is not being swallowed up by it. As Catholics of faith, one of the gifts our writing can be to the world is to offer a “bigger” perspective, whatever our subject. A nonbeliever may not recognize it or call it faith, but the  worldview supporting our writing cannot help but hint at faith. Our challenge as Catholic writers is to write artfully, in such a way that our faith-filled worldview is compelling and appealing.

May our writing this Easter season be filled with the newness of joy, with allowing God to take the lead, and with the perspective of faith.

“Rising To New Life” in the Movies

Last year, I posted a list of My Top Ten Easter Movies, and shared the list on Salt + Light Radio.  That list still stands–it hasn’t changed in a year. But this year I wanted to share some not-so-obvious films that might “fit” many themes of the Easter season–films about coming to new life. (You can listen to the list on Salt + Light Radio here.) We “rise to new life” in many ways throughout our lives, and this short list of five movies to watch during the Easter season (with five runners-up) addresses these various kinds of “new life” that we may be invited to.

The movies on today’s list are not traditional, fluffy “Easter bunny” films because the best stories about coming to new life also have to take us through the darkness of death. So these films may not be Easter Sunday viewing, but they can offer insights about how we can live the greatest mystery of our faith–the Paschal Mystery of Jesus’ Passion, Death, and Resurrection–in our own lives.

5. The classic 1942 Bette Davis film Now, Voyager, is the story of a woman who has been so emotionally abused by her family that she has lost all sense of herself. Through friends, therapy, and a romance, she gradually–and precariously–transforms from an ugly duckling into a strong woman who comes to care for others. Bette Davis and the entire supporting cast give wonderful performances—Bette Davis was nominated for an Oscar. The “new life” of the protagonist is not literally an escape from death, but a psychological and emotional coming to life as Bette Davis’s character discovers what it is to truly love and be loved.

4. Film number 4 is a tie between two movies from 2012: Les Miserables and  Dark Knight Rises. Despite the limitations of a comic-book adaptation, in Dark Knight Rises, Batman and Gotham both undergo an incredibly dark oppression. Actually, Batman’s Bruce Wayne begins the film as a broken man–he has not recovered from the great sacrifices he  made the last time he rescued Gotham. Yet, once he has been captured and even further broken by Gotham’s new nemesis, Bruce struggles not to give up his agonizing hope to escape and once more free Gotham from oppression and destruction. One of the things I love about this film is that both Bruce and Gotham make a journey from death to new life. Batman’s willingness to not just sacrifice his life but everything makes him a Christ-figure that is appropriate for Easter.

Any of the cinematic portrayals of Les Miserables offer wonderful insights on what it means to be redeemed. The musical version, however, offers powerful melodies and lyrics that add another level to the story. One of the most powerful scenes is Jean Valjean’s soul being “bought back” from evil by the bishop’s kindness. Yet, for me what makes this story unique and even more powerful for mature believers is that the story doesn’t stop at Jean Valjean’s early redemption, but shows the consequences of what it means to live this redemption throughout one’s life, within difficult and challenging circumstances. And how his “new life” affects those around him, as he offers others mercy and hope. In the musical, the closing scene has a beautiful scene of resurrection for all the characters that have suffered.

3. Secondhand Lions is a little-known gem of a movie from 2003 that the whole family can see together. But this is not a fluffy Disney-like film–the more attentive you are in viewing the film, the more you’ll get out of it. Haley Joel  Osment stars as Walter, an awkward adolescent whose irresponsible mother drops him off unannounced at his seemingly crazy uncles in Texas, whom he’s never met. Robert Duvall and Michael Caine are the eccentric, gruff uncles that eventually come to offer something special to the lonely Walter, but they are not untouched by his arrival. Writer-director Tim McCanlies does a marvelous job of layering meaning into a simple story. Walter’s journey is not literally from death, but more of a journey from neglect and “fake” love to a new life of freedom from fear and genuine love. Secondhand Lions is a delightful film with wonderful performances that will engage the entire family.

2. The Matrix cinematically offers so many visual and narrative moments of resurrection that I had no choice but to include it on this list. As with many films (such as Dark Knight Rises), I am not satisfied with a seeming glorification of violence that is portrayed in this film. Yet this many-layered movie offers a great story, amazing sequences, and profound insights. Neo, a computer hacker played by Keanu Reeves, discovers that his entire life has been controlled by others—without his knowing it. He is encouraged to lead a rebellion against those who control him and his world, but the journey from a coma-like state to full awareness is not without a huge cost. Neo’s journey may very well change the future of the entire world—from captivity to freedom.

1. Schindler’s List, the masterpiece directed by Steven Spielberg which explores the depravity of the Holocaust, best captures a journey of coming to new life: both in the lives of the Jews who are rescued from the Holocaust, and in Oskar Schindler’s own journey from self-serving, greedy jerk to a man who repeatedly risks his life and eventually loses everything to save the lives of 1200 Jews. Schindler’s journey from selfishness to self-sacrifice, from sinfulness to grace, leads his workers from the certainty of death to the possibility of new life at the end of World War II. What makes this film so brilliant is the contrast between the journey of Schindler, who repeatedly chooses life for others, and Goethe, the Nazi commander who repeatedly chooses death for others. The true story of this ordinary man who, under pressure, saves the lives of others at the risk of his own, offers hope to all of us.

What are your favorite movies that revolve around the theme of resurrection? I’d be very interested  in your feedback–and I suspect other readers of the blog would be interested as well.

My list of five runners-up–without commentary for now–is below.

• Spitfire Grill
• Tender Mercies
• Truman Show
• Patch Adams
• Superman Returns

My prayers for a very Blessed Easter for each of you!

New Stations of the Cross App will “pick up” my Lenten Fridays!

Walk with Me the Way of the Cross App

Pauline Books & Media has just outdone themselves in producing a lovely new app with which you can pray the Stations of the Cross: Walk with Me the Way of the Cross App. I got a “sneak peak” last week, and have already used them twice (last Friday and this morning). The Stations are wonderful to listen to because the voices are reverent, well-chosen, and prayerful. The beautiful artwork really enhances the reflections. (Personally, I really love the traditional artwork, although the modern artwork is appealing too, and could be great to use with children). The reflections, taken from the pamphlet: Walk with Me the Way of the Cross by Rev. J. Francis Sofie, Jr., are deeply moving. (You might want to get the pamphlet to read them on your own…or maybe, if PBM does an update, I can suggest an option to read the prayers onscreen.) 

The features are great–you can go at your own pace and extend your personal meditation for each station, or for those who commute or walk,  use the audio-only version that goes ahead on its own. I also love the “slideshow” option that lets you meditate on Jesus’ Passion in just a couple minutes.

A great app to “pick up” your Lent and to give variety and depth to praying the Stations, and perhaps even a great gift to give to someone with whom you are sharing your Lenten journey.

Available on iTunes and Googleplay. I’ve pasted in the write-up below:

The Stations of the Cross are meant to strengthen and comfort us on our journey through life, a journey in which Jesus calls upon us and says: “Walk with me.” This app provides a powerful experience of the Stations through: 

+ audio reflections, words of Jesus, and prayers

+ two sets of beautiful images (one traditional set and one contemporary set)

+ the option to play the Stations of the Cross audio from beginning to end (perfect for praying the Stations in the car or while taking a walk)

+ two four- minute slideshows to pray the Stations without words for when you desire a more contemplative experience or when your time is limited

+ the ability to continue right where you left off if you get interrupted

From start to finish, the Stations are all about the passionate love the Lord Jesus has for each of us. We follow him in these Stations not as spectators, but as his disciples—those he has called by name to follow Him.

Prayer and Joy…Reaction to Pope Francis!

Some days, it’s great to be a nun. Yesterday, was one of those days.

Three of the sisters in my community were sharing the “smoke watch,” starting Tuesday evening. Sister Maureen was watching on Salt + Light’s app and saw the moment it was reported that the smoke coming from the Sistine Chapel was white (around 2 PM). Two of us ran to turn on the TV, and the rest of us finished up doing the dishes and joined them. I had a phone meeting scheduled with other Daughters of Saint Paul  around North America at 2:30, so I immediately texted one of the sisters about delaying or canceling the meeting. (Then, I confess, I ran down to my office and set up my computer screen so that, even if I needed to call in, I could still watch what was happening at St. Peter’s!)

Of course, all of the sisters agreed to cancel the meetings, and the apostolate that I was going to do slid to the backburner while together, our community did the most important thing we could do: praying for our new Holy Father. While we waited in suspense, we chatted, flipped channels to find the best commentary and the best shot of “the Window”, and prayed for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our new Holy Father, whoever he was! (I was also following my twitter feeds and enjoying all the comments–especially when @Pontifex went live!)

The Pope’s  first moments shared with the world were deeply, deeply moving: that he would invite us all to pray for our Pope Emeritus, that he would ask us to pray for him before giving us his blessing, that he would take the name Francis (after St. Francis of Assissi, known as the “poverello”)… And then, that evening, I had the joy of hosting our Pauline Cooperators’ meeting, which included an Hour of Adoration where we could fulfill the wish of our Pope Francis and pray for him. And this morning, his visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major (which holds a special place in my heart), praying to the Blessed Mother, stopping to bless an expectant mother. I look forward to learning more about Pope Francis, and heeding his invitation to follow Christ more closely.

What a great day to be a nun–to be able to drop everything and spend the afternoon praying with the Church and rejoicing so deeply that we have our new Holy Father!

* * *

Just a note about my favorite postings about Pope Francis this morning:

Reuter’s article on the first moments after the election, peppered with Cardinal Dolan’s insights. 

The reaction of our sisters at our Boston convent, televised by New England Cable News.

Salt + Light’s reaction to Pope Francis–Perspectives Conclave Special a more in-depth commentary with Kris Dmytrenko, Bishop William McGrattan, Archbishop Terence Prendergast–a Jesuit, and Dr. Moira McQueen.