Review of "Finding Fatima"

by Ian and Dominic Higgins
90 minutes
Not rated

The Higgins brothers are the same British filmmakers who produced the Fatima drama "The 13th Day", "Finding Fatima" is a docu-drama about the apparitions which capitalizes on the interest their earlier film evoked by answering many of the questions left unanswered by the earlier film. They make a perfect companion set. They both have the unique chiaroscuro tint, and enough drama to keep the casual viewer interested.

In several interviews with Fatima experts like Fr Andrew Apostoli, relatives of eyewitnesses and the Fatima seers themselves, and dramatic recreations of eyewitness accounts illustrated with film clips, the actual events of the apparitions are described in a captivating way while providing the details which educate the viewer about that apparitions. Even if you have watched many films about Fatima, you will learn more about the apparitions, for example; the reaction of the children and their families to the apparitions, testimonies from the eyewitnesses of the Miracle of the Sun, the anti-Catholic political climate of Portugal in 1917, and the amazing impact of devotion to Our Lady of Fatima around the world.
The fascinating interaction of the most famous Marian Apparition of the 20th century with its historical context is explored in greater detail than in other films I have seen, in fact the film opens in an unexpected place; Hiroshima Japan on the day the first atomic bomb was dropped, sparing six German priests who attributed the miracle to living the messages of Fatima. This film explains how six apparitions of the Virgin Mary in a remote Portuguese village had an unprecedented impact on world wars, and especially upon the life of Blessed John Paul who said, "the message of Fatima is even more relevant today than it was in 1917". This week marks the 30th anniversary of the attempt on his life, which many feel was thwarted by a miracle wrought by Our Lady's hand.

What relevance to the Fatima messages have for us? Certainly offenses against the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts have increased exponentially in the past 94 years and Our Lady’s predictions about the spread of communism, the persecution of the Church and in particular the Holy Father have come true in our times. So Our Lady of Fatima’s call to prayer, penance, and conversion is more urgent than ever, yet there is even more reason to believe in the timeliness of these messages and to learn more about them. This film provides a modern means to share this life changing message with those who may not be moved by the traditional religious documentary. It also contains aspects of the apparitions which earlier documentaries do not cover.

One little explored aspect of Fatima is the connection Fatima has with Muslims. Perhaps one of the most relevant aspects of Fatima for our times; is the fact that many Muslims are drawn to Fatima. This was all in God’s plan, according to Archbishop Fulton Sheen who said,

Since nothing ever happens out of Heaven except with a finesse of all details, I believe that the blessed Virgin chose to be known as "Our Lady of Fatima" as a pledge and a sign of hope to the Muslim people, and as an assurance that they, who show her so much respect, will one day accept her divine Son too.

In my personal experience, I  once met a Muslim leader at a Marian conference who said, "I have to know more about St Fatima, I have a statue of her in my home "( he was referring to Our Lady of Fatima) The gentleman finished the conference by breaking down in tears as he was prayed over by a priest. He seemed to be on the road to conversion. Could Fatima contain the secret to World Peace? Would adherence to the call of Fatima bring about the end of terrorism, the scourge of our times?
An excellent film for family movie night, though some of the recreation of the atomic bomb, hell and war torn Europe may be disturbing for children younger than 8 years,
Highly recommended.

Book Review: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of the Civilization of Love

Just in time for her feast day, December 12, this book by Carl Anderson and Fr. Eduardo Chavez documents the visitation of Our Lady to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin on Tepeyac. Anderson and Chavez recount the visitation using several sources, including the testimony of Juan Diego himself as well as his contemporaries.

I knew the outlines of the story but I didn't realize how the Virgin spoke to Juan Diego in his native language, using phrases and endearments that he would recognize. And, as she did later at Lourdes and Fatima, she chooses her messenger from among the lowest caste.

In fact Juan Diego protests that there are others who would be better suited to deliver her request for a church to Friar Zumarraga, the bishop-elect of Mexico. But the Virgin insists and Juan Diego obeys. Fr. Zumarraga's staff stonewalls Juan Diego and later lies about his actions, but he delivers the Virgin"s message and later the proof Fr. Zumarraga demands: flowers wrapped in his tilma. And the incredible image we know as Our Lady of Guadalupe.

An incredible image it is, too. Anderson & Chavez write about the scientific examinations the tilma has undergone over the centuries, how this simple garment has withstood deterioration, the lack of damage from acid and bombs. They also reveal the complex symbolism of the painting, incorporating images recognized by the Spanish and by the native population, including the fact that Our Lady is a mestiza: a mixture of Spanish and native. I found this section quite interesting and wish I had known more about it when the authorized reproduction of Our Lady of Guadalupe visited my parish several years ago. In fact, my one complaint is the lack of color illustrations in this section of the book.

Anderson & Chavez spend a lot of time on the historical events at the time of the Apparition (1531), both in Europe as well as the New World, further clarifying the extraordinary power of the apparition and why Our Lady of Guadalupe is so highly honored in the Americas, including the United States and Canada. And explaining, as well, the significance of Mary to the Catholic Church.

The final section discusses the hope the Virgin brings to us because she carries her Son with her always. She directs our attention to Him and models for us the behavior of a true believer. To quote from the book, "...she is the spiritual mother we all share, perfectly enculturated, a symbol of the "catholic" aspect of a Church where all are full members and all are welcome as equal heirs to the kingdom of God." We share Mary as our Mother and with her help, we are called to bridge the gap between cultures and countries.

The Appendices include The Nican Mopohua, the earliest written record of the apparition, as well as a Chronology, prayers, and a bibliography. There are extensive footnotes.

Carl Anderson is the Chief Executive Office and Chairman of the Board of the Knights of Columbus. Fr. Eduardo Chavez is an expert on the Guadalupe apparitions and was the postular of St. Juan Diego's cause for sainthood.

The book is well-written in language for the layman. Canonical and theological terms are explained without slowing down the narrative.

FTC Disclaimer: I received an uncorrected proof copy of this book for review from The Catholic Company

On the March Hare scale: 4 out of 5 Golden Bookmarks

This review was written as part of The Catholic Company product reviewer program. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mother of the Civiliation of Love.

crossposted at The Mad Tea Party

Our Lady of Guadalupe on bestseller lists

Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Carl Andersen's book, "Our Lady of Guadalupe; Mother of a Civilization of Love" debuted on the New York Times and Publisher's Weekly bestseller lists. It was written with the postulator of the cause of St Juan Diego, Msgr Eduardo Chavez of Mexico City.

It's good for the nation to see evidence that Our Lady is still a powerful evangelizer. After the appariaiton, over six million Aztec Indians converted to Catholicism.

I hope to be attending a book launch event with Msgr Chavez next week. I'll report on it here.

Read the entire story at CNA.

The Guadalupe DVD is out!

The DVD is now out on the beautiful film "Guadalupe", which I saw at the theatre on December 17, 2006. The film takes place in modern day Mexico and and tells the story of a brother and sister team of Spanish archeologists, Jose Maria and Mercedes, who decide to investigate newly discovered information in the case of Our Lady of Guadalupe. What they learn changes their lives forever. Through their scientific research, the two discover, each in their own way, the true message that the Blessed Virgin Mary reveals at Guadalupe: that we are to live in harmony and peace with one another and to have faith and hope.

Guadalupe is not a high budget film, but a simple one, with intriguing parallel story lines. It is a Spanish movie with English subtitles so be prepared to read quickly - there's no snoozing during this movie. I liked it and so did my husband.

This is a wonderful movie for the family to learn about the history of Mexico and the meaning behind many of its traditions related to the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This movie is a gem. While the characters and dialogue seem a little simplistic at times - the message is powerful one - and the story is one you won't forget. It contains very touching and tender love stories on both the human and the spiritual levels. It is guaranteed to melt your heart. This is a film the entire family will enjoy.

I give it three *** of 4 stars. It is very good. Don't miss it!

You can view the trailer and learn more about the film here.