The promotional tour of a recent film on the apparition of Our Lady
of Guadalupe has helped reawaken devotion to the Patroness of the
Americas, while inspiring a deeper conversion among Catholics. “We need things that are artistic, that leave impressions, that will
help guide people back to our faith,” said Tim Watkins, director of 'The
Blood and the Rose'. The film centers around three major aspects of the apparition of the
Virgin Mother to St. Juan Diego: the historical background; the
apparition itself and Mary’s message; and the scientific analysis of the
image on the tilma. “Even though this image was made in 1531, there are still things that we
found in the twentieth century that made us go, ‘Oh wow,’” Watkins
explained. “It begs the question: what else is in this image that hasn’t
been discovered yet?” Careful study and inspection of the image throughout recent history has
yielded surprising discoveries about the image, such as the tiny human
figures and faces that appear in the life-like eyes of the Virgin and
the way the stars on her mantle match the constellations at the winter
solstice of 1531. In promoting his film, Watkins hopes Catholics will be strengthened in
their faith while growing bolder in proclaiming the Gospel. While researching the film, Watkins said he discovered more about the
apparition than he could have imagined – something he hopes viewers will
experience when they see the film. “They know bits and pieces, but they don’t know the fascinating totality
of the story,” he said. “There’s something in (the film) that people do
not know.” While the film is meant to be a work of art inspired by the apparition,
it also explores the humble sanctity of St. Juan Diego, the faithful
messenger to whom the Virgin Mother appeared. “I’m not worthy to touch the tassels of Mary’s gown, but what I am
capable of doing is achieving the kind of life Juan Diego lived.” The saint, Watkins added, is an example of “humble, childlike faith,” whom we can all emulate. “What we try to do with the film is inspire people to be like Juan Diego, the servant who heard the word and spread it.” To that end, Watkins has established the Messenger Eagle Foundation – an
organization dedicated to catechizing Catholics and helping them spread
the Gospel in their parts of the world. The name is taken from St. Juan
Diego’s native name, Cauthatlatohuac, which means “the eagle who
speaks.” The film, which was released in January, has been shown to audiences
nationally as well as in several different countries, including Brazil,
where the film was shown to World Youth Day audiences. At each showing, a reflection on St. Juan Diego and the work of a
special local charitable organization is given before the film.
Following that is a reflection from the local bishop or a priest. “Hopefully it becomes a fulcrum to an awakening to get us out of being
pacifists in the pews to a point where we’re helping our priests succeed
by getting their message to a bigger community,” Watkins reflected. To learn more about the film, or to request a screening in your area, visit thebloodandtherose.com.
Born during the turbulent era of the French Revolution, Saint Jeanne Jugan rose above hardship and a lack of formal schooling to become a profound vessel of Christ’s mercy. After losing her father at a young age and working through her youth as a kitchen maid and nurse, her life radically changed one freezing night when she encountered a blind, paralyzed elderly woman with nowhere to go. Jeanne carried the woman back to her own home, placed her in her own bed, and began a lifelong mission of radical hospitality. This act of profound love blossomed into the Little Sisters of the Poor , a thriving community dedicated to sheltering and honoring the destitute elderly. Despite later facing heavy trials—including being unjustly sidelined and stripped of her leadership by a controlling chaplain—Jeanne accepted her obscurity and exile with a joyful spirit, resting her complete trust in God's hidden providence until her death in 1879. In our daily lives, Saint Jeanne Jugan invites us to lo...