Pope Francis chose Francis as his papal name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi who gave up his worldly possessions to serve the poor. Just like St. Francis, the charismatic pontiff is well-loved because of his simplicity and humility.
I remember the 1972 movie Brother Sun, Sister Moon that revolves around the life story of St. Francis. The Franco Zeffirelli film stars Graham Faulkner and Judi Bowker. In the story, Francesco di Bernardone returns home from war due to an illness. While he is recovering, Francesco is tormented by visions of his errant past and he slowly finds God in poverty, chastity and obedience. To his father’s dismay, he abandons his wealth and family name. Francesco leaves Assisi naked and lives a simple life. One day, he hears God’s voice from the ruins of the chapel of San Damiano asking him to “restore My church on earth.” In the latter part of the movie, Pope Innocent III orders Francesco and his friends to be brought back to the Vatican after their unpleasant initial meeting. The Pope kisses Francesco’s feet and blesses him and his companions, wishes them a universal society of men and women who are willing to serve God. (You can check out the movie’s soundtrack by Riz Ortolani with songs by the Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan.)
Like the film Brother Sun, Sister Moon, there are many inspiring movies about the lives of saints that we can watch with our family and friends this Holy Week as we take a break from our frenzied work schedules. Here are some of them:
The Song of Bernadette — The classic Henry King movie is about the life of St. Bernadette Soubirous (played by Jennifer Jones), a simple lass from Lourdes, France who claims to have visions of our Blessed Virgin Mary. One day, Bernadette sees a beautiful lady standing in radiant light, holding a rosary. Bernadette faces ridicule from people who do not believe her story. The lady instructs her to drink and wash at a spring that doesn’t exist. Water starts to flow after Bernadette digs a hole in the ground and uses wet sand and mud. It turns out that the water has miraculous healing properties. The lady finally identifies herself to Bernadette as “the Immaculate Conception.” The grotto where Mama Mary appears to Bernadette is closed. It is only reopened after the emperor’s son drinks water from the spring and recovers.
After years of investigation, the commission confirms that Bernadette has visions of the Virgin Mary. Bernadette later becomes a nun but she suffers from tuberculosis of the bone. At her deathbed, the lady appears again in the room, smiling and holding out her arms. Only Bernadette can see her. She dies while expressing her love to the Virgin Mary and reaching out to her.
Lorenzo Ruiz… The Saint… A Filipino — Directed by Maria Saret, the movie centers on the life of the first Filipino saint, Lorenzo Ruiz (played by Mat Ranillo III). Born in Binondo, Manila, Lorenzo serves as an altar boy at Binondo Church. He is falsely accused of killing a Spaniard while working as a clerk at the church. Lorenzo leaves his family and escapes onboard a ship with three Dominican priests, a Japanese priest and a layman. Their group is arrested and severely tortured in Okinawa, Japan. Until his last breath, Lorenzo remains loyal to his Catholic faith. The movie also stars Charito Solis, Dang Cecilio, Alvin Enriquez and Rose Ann Gonzales.
Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir — The film is an official entry to the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival and stars Rocco Nacino as Pedro Calungsod. The young catechist and mission assistant joins the Spanish Jesuit priest Fr. Diego de San Vitores in his mission to the Marianas Islands (Guam) in 1668. Pedro assists Fr. Diego in baptizing the Chamorro natives, preaching the Holy Gospel and spreading the Christian faith. Pedro and Fr. Diego continue doing their missionary work despite the looming threats to their lives. The village chief becomes furious after learning of his daughter’s baptism and attacks Fr. Diego and Pedro. Pedro is struck in the chest by a spear and falls to the ground. Another pagan attacks him with machete blow to the head.
The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc — The 1999 film of Luc Besson has a stellar cast line-up: Milla Jovovich, John Malkovich, Faye Dunaway and Dustin Hoffman. As a child, Joan (Jovovich) witnesses the brutal death of her sister. Several years later, she asks the future King of France (Malkovich) to provide an army that will go into battle against the occupying English. She reveals to him about her vision. Clad in armor, Joan leads the French army into battles against the invaders. Her success in defeating the English allows Charles VII to take the throne. However, the King believes that Joan threatens his position and connives to get rid of her by letting her to be captured by rival forces. She is taken prisoner by the pro-English Burgundians who sell her to the English. Eventually, Joan is tried in an ecclesiastical court proceeding and executed for heresy based on her claim of visions and signs from God.
Saint Anthony: The Miracle Worker of Padua — This is about the inspiring life story of St. Anthony who was born into a noble family. Anthony defies his father’s wish for him to become a knight. Instead, he becomes a monk and joins the Franciscans as a follower of St. Francis of Assisi. He is famous for his preaching and miracles. The film follows his travels through Italy, his mission to Morocco and his meeting with St. Francis. The movie stars Daniele Liotti as St. Anthony.