Mary of Nazareth

               Today I drove 200 miles, mainly in sloppy rain to Somerset, New Jersey.  Tomorrow begins the Catholic Writers Conference, a three day extravaganza of workshops and presentation for writers who are “rooted in the Gospel, writing for the world.”

               Tonight there was a showing of a new movie being distributed by Ignatius Press about Mary, the Mother of God.  I was so moved by the movie that I have to write about it before I can go to sleep.  Making a movie about Mary is difficult, given the amount of first-hand accounts that are available.  It is a beautiful, viable account of Mary’s life.

               In this film, Mary is portrayed as a woman who always has faith in God.  It is that faith that allows her to live through the difficult times and to guide her family and those who love Jesus as tragedy strikes.  The relationship between Mary and Joseph, knowing they are parents to the Messiah is beautifully illustrated throughout their lives. And the unique relationship between Mary and Jesus is also well portrayed.

               Favorite scenes include:

                Joachim, Mary’s father says something to the effect of, “Mary has always been a mystery, too much of a mystery for me”. 

               When Mary tells her parents of the visit from the angel and that she wants to visit Elizabeth.  Her parents deny that Elizabeth can be pregnant, at her age.  Yet she is determined to do God’s will and cajoles them (and Joseph) into letter her go.

                 In an incredibly touching scene between Mary and Zachariah on the steps outside his house, he is puzzled that he, a priest, could not believe God.  And yet Mary, a young girl, was able to have faith and believe in God’s plan.

               Mary and Joseph first became aware that Jesus was not to belong only to them in the scene when the three dozen or more shepherds arrive to see the Messiah. One shepherd wanted to hold Jesus and Mary lets him and then he passes Jesus to the next and on and on, each person gently kissing the new born.

               Mary’s telling of the story when Jesus was lost in the temple was beautifully depicted, as is the near stoning of Mary Magdalene, and the telling of the prodigal son parable.  The trial, scourging, and crucifixion are always difficult to watch.  I love the resurrection scene with Mary Magdalene. (I hope I didn’t give away the ending.)

               After I have digested the contents of the movie, I want to write in detail how this movie has changed how I view Mary.  It will help me to love her even more.

               Ignatius Press is releasing this movie on September 8^th for use by non-profit groups to show it in movie theaters.  This is the same method they used for Restless Heart, the movie about St. Augustine last year.  To get information on how to screen this movie, contact screenings@carmelcommunications.com.