I was very priveledged to see the premier of a wonderful documentary called The Blood and The Rose at The Warner Theater in Washington, D.C. This event was a benefit for Catholic Charities of the Washington Archdiocese and originally cost $75 a ticket–beyond my means to pay. But God’s grace intervened with a Facebook message from Fr. Leo Patalinghug who was a speaker at the event: Fr. Leo posted “I just got word that thanks to a generous donor, you can now buy tickets for tomorrow’s event in DC for The Blood & The Rose for $15.31 at the door! There are two reasons that price is significant: first, because 1531 is the year that the miracle of Our Lady of Guadalupe took place, and second, now you have no excuse to miss out on what’s going to be a powerful and great Spiritual event! So if you’re in DC, I hope to see you tomorrow at the Warner Theatre!” Wow! what a blessing, and was very excited to attend with my parents.
MC: Raymond Arroyo
The documentary is a must see movie that tells the story of Saint Juan Diego and the miracle of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The film maker, Tim Watkins, dedicated himself to this project for seven years in telling this important message of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the history and science behind The Tilma. It is amazing to see how science can not explain the existence of the image nor how The Tilma has lasted so long other than a miracle.
Director Tim Watkins
The movie website says about the movie: “On December 9, 1531, the Blessed Virgin Mary first appeared to Juan Diego, an ordinary man of extraordinary faith. Juan Diego humbly embraced the call to serve as a Messenger Eagle. Today this apparition is known as “the Virgin of Guadalupe.” The beautiful miracle of that day is chronicled in this story that begins with Mary’s faith filled yes. This eternal struggle of good versus evil is the battle for our souls.”
Fr. Leo Patalinghug
Fr. Leo Patalinghug is an expert himself in Marian Theology, as he studied this subject at the Pontifical College in Rome. I love the message he brought that we all have a belly-button and this is the reminder of our own mothers feeding us, as well as the spiritual food from Mother Mary. Fr. Leo points to the fact that Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patroness of the Americas & The New Evangelization, and very important message to follow the example of Mary. Fr. Leo has also written a new book, Spicing Up Married Life, for his own ministry–Grace Before Meals. I was very happy to meet Fr. Leo after the show where he signed his new book for my parents–celebrating their upcoming 50th Wedding Anniversary (ironically Fr. Leo dedicated his book to his parent’s 50th too!)
Fr. Leo with Dave & Ellie Clem
Please take a look at the preview of the documentary on the movie website below, and it should be coming out on DVD very soon. It is 90 minutes of time that will deepen your faith in Christ through Our Lady of Guadalupe. Review: Two Thumbs Up!
