A new docudrama, entitled Love and Mercy: Faustina, about the life of St. Faustina Kowalska which is based on newly revealed writings from her spiritual director, Father Michael Sopocko, will appear for one day only in more than 700 U.S. movie theaters on Monday, October 28.
Directed by Polish film director Michal Kondrat and distributed by Fathom Events, the 120-minute film focuses on Faustina’s call to religious life and the revelation of the Divine Mercy message from Christ who told her, “Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy.” Although this message was delivered in 1930, in an age marked by conflict, despair, lack of respect for human life and dignity, this message is as relevant today as it was 89 years ago.
Unique to this film is new information found in the writings of Faustina’s spiritual director, Fr. Michael Sopocko, and details how the Divine Mercy movement was born and spread.
The film begins with St. Faustina before Christ called her to religious life and follows her as she not only answers His call but receives the image of the Divine Mercy in a vision in 1931 in a tiny town in Poland. The image does not become a tangible reality until years later when her confessor convinces a local artist to paint the image.
While St. Faustina would not live to see the world venerate the image of the Divine Mercy, her confessor sought Vatican approval and was met with many obstacles. It wasn’t until Pope John Paul II took interest in the image and St. Faustina’s story that the image was spread worldwide. Additionally, unique scientific analysis shown in Love and Mercy: Faustina proves that St. Faustina did see Christ in her vision.
Kamila Kaminska, who plays Sr. Faustina in the film, said that “at a certain point I stopped focusing on St. Faustina, and I started experiencing God’s presence, love and trust.”
“The extraordinary message of Divine Mercy as revealed to St. Faustina has touched millions of lives around the world,” said Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, director of the Association of Marian Helpers. “This film will serve as an incredible tool to inspire even more people to follow Christ’s invitation extended to a broken world — a call to turn from sin, receive God’s mercy and to share that mercy with others.”
Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, author of No Turning Back: A Witness to Mercy, called the film “Inspiring, insightful and transformative.”
“Divine Mercy is at the heart of the Gospel,” he said, “and this fascinating docudrama reveals the history, devotion and power of one of the greatest messages for our times.”
The Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, of which Fr. Calloway is an ordained priest, is the primary promoter of the Divine Mercy message and devotion worldwide, and is leading the effort to have this film seen by as many people in the United States as possible through this Fathom event.
The film, which opened to sold-out audiences in Poland last year, will premier in the United States for one-day only, on October 28, and be available in nearly 800 select movie theaters.
Click here to visit the FathomEvents.com website to find a participating theater near you.
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