Movie Recommendation - Paul VI: The Pope in the Tempest

The Catholic Church has been blessed with many good and holy popes in modern times. One such pope is Pope Paul VI. He is the pope of my childhood yet I didn't really appreciate him much. I guess he was overshadowed by his successor,our charismatic holy Father Pope John Paul II. So it was with much interest that my family and I watched this 2010 Italian production on his life.

The movie is 3 hours and 20 minutes long.  I read one review who said it was slow going at times.  I have to respectfully disagree.  My interest was captivated from the very start at the kidnapping of Aldo Moro.  One thing I found particularly interesting is the way the movie unfolds in a chronological manner with Giovanni Battista Morini as a young priest and all the popes in his life as a priest.

The producers of this movie checked their facts and it shows.  One example is in the way the controversy of Humanae Vitae is played out.  The strong opposition by those advising our Holy Father caused him so much pain, yet he went ahead, let by the Holy Spirit.  He was a visionary.  They should have listened to him.

The movie is available through Ignatius Press. We watched it from a Netflix DVD.

Our Jesus

"Behold our Jesus, who, not satisfied with dying on earth for our love, is pleased even after His death to dwell with us in the Most Holy Sacrament.  Let us, then, learn to thank Him for it, and to avail ourselves of conversing with Jesus.

- St. Alphonsus di Liguori

Catholic Art - Young St. John the Evangelist

by Piero di Cosimo June 1504, Honolulu Academy of Art

This is a very beautiful portrayal of a young St. John. I am sharing it because every time I go to the Honolulu Art Museum, (Formerly the Honolulu Academy of Art), I love this painting.  I am drawn to this painting.  Not only are the deep rich colors that are so appealing, but also the look of contentment on St. John's face.

For those of you not familiar with the story, it reflects the legend of  how St. John's was handed a poisoned cup of wine.  Yet, when he blessed the cup of wine, the poison rose in the shape of a serpent. Click HERE to see the full image and the description of the painting subject.

Our little art museum has quite an impressive selection of Catholic art.  Be sure to see for yourself if you  have the opportunity.