Bella Movie Review

Over the summer I had heard about the upcoming release of a film entitled Bella. I was told that that it was a pro-life movie and that it had actually won the People's Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival. Last August, producer and actor in the film, Eduardo Verastegui, made a guest appearance on popular EWTN show Life on the Rock discussing his conversion from being a mostly non-practicing Catholic to his journey home to Rome. He was a soap opera star in Mexico and was lost in the glitz of stardom, but through his mother's prayers and his English tutor's challenging words Eduardo discovered what was truly important. I yearned to see this movie but it was (and still is) released in a limited amount of theaters. Over Thanksgiving break my family and I went on vacation to Branson, MO. My mom surprised me by asking if I wanted to see Bella. I didn't know that she had even heard of the movie. Apparently it was playing in my hometown while I was away at college. Previously, I had prayed for the privilege of viewing the film and I knew that this was the answer to my prayer. So my mom and I drove to Springfield to see it and we are glad that we did. Nina, an unwed waitress, finds herself pregnant and her boyfriend is for aborting the child. To make matters worse she is fired from her job for her multiple tardies and her boss doesn't believe that she was truly sick one day. He thinks that she was actually hung over, but Nina was experiencing morning sickness. To promote life the writers could have gone in multiple directions with this. The film could have been preachy, judgmental, etc. Surprisingly enough, the movie doesn't do any of these things. We as an audience feel compassion for Nina, who had difficulty enough just living on her small salary at the restaurant. A chef named Jose from where she used to work, leaves the restaurant to come to her aid. He merely becomes her friend; listening to what she has to say, spends the day with her, and treats her to dinner with his family. Nina grows to trust Jose and through this friendship love their lives change. Both pro-choicers and pro-lifers will be challenged by this movie. Pro-choicers will ponder on their previous position and pro-lifers will consider how loving is the key to changing people. The main message is love in Bella. As the movie website says, it's a love story that goes beyond the romance between a man and woman. This theme of love can be applied to evangelizing. Everyone longs for it and is incomplete without it. Through loving we can reveal what being a follower of Christ is all about and the walls of defense around their hearts will collapse. As my mom put it, the movie is different in that it's for widescreen audiences. Bella isn't about any part of Christ's life or the life of a saint, so it draws attention and appeal to many faith backgrounds and views. Despite its common ground though, the Catholic faith isn't ignored. One seen involves Jose and his family praying before dinner and the film itself opens with the quote, "My grandmother told me that if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans." (By the way if this is true I must be Robin Williams.) Most likely, Jose's displays of love are motivated by his faith. On another note Bella is a great film for Hispanics. Eduardo, who plays Jose commented on how Latinos are typically portrayed in films. The men are usually portrayed as criminals, thieves, drug dealers, and if they are handsome then they are Don Juan casanovas who are womanizing liars. "You never see a Latino as a hero- not a hero like Superman or Batman or any of those guys; a man of integrity, a man who sacrifices for his wife or children, a good citizen that serves his country." Eduardo and his fellow associates who made Bella, resolved to portray Hispanics in a much more positive light and kept their promise. Looking back at his past, Eduardo realized that back when he was a Mexican soap opera star, that he was feeding the negative stereotype in the media, and even became a womanizer himself. The man who was (and still is) regarded as Mexico's Brad Pitt, decided to turn his life around and has a profound new respect for women. He wanted to present women more favorably in this film as well, after all he said, he had a wonderful mother and three sisters. Bella is truly a magnificent treasure. You'll laugh, possibly cry, and be hungry for Puertorican/Mexican food afterwards. This is now one of my favorite movies of all time. I'm considering it for the number one spot on my list. At the moment, it's showing in a limited amount of theaters, but the requests for the movie keep coming in. To find out where it's being shown go to http://bellathemoviesite.com/.

All Saints Day

Happy All Saints Day everyone! Over the years I've studied the lives of many saints. Throughout this time I've noticed that even though each one of them is unique, that they have many similar traits.

1) Love Jesus More Than Anyone or Anything

2) Love Their Neighbor as They Love Themselves

3) Serve in Whatever Vocation That They Are Called To

4) Are Christlike

5) Chaste

6) Prayerful

7) Have Beautiful Souls

8) Seek God's Will Above Their Own

9) Childlike But Not Childish

10) Obedient

11) Follow 10 Ten Commandments

12) Passionately Love The Church

13) Live Out The Eight Beatitudes

14) Are Not Saints By Themselves, But With Total Reliance on The Lord

15) Reverent When Needed To Be, Never Wishing To Be Disrespectful

16) Love The Sacraments, Especially The Eucharist

17) Know How Important The Family Is

18) Pro-Life

19) Know That There Is Both a Spiritual World and a Natural World

20) Have a Healthy Love of Self

21) Have True Freedom, By Being Free in The Lord

22) Courageous in The Battle of Good vs. Evil

23) Pro- Scripture, But Anti-Scripture Alone

I have never found a single saint that contradicted any of these traits. As one can clearly see, we can live out these traits as well. Holiness is for everyone, not just for a select few.

God Blessed the Broken Road

I discovered a song that perfectly describes my conversion from being a halfhearted Catholic to an overflowing one. It's called, "God Blessed the Broken Road." I tweaked the song a little to make it fit, but for the most part it's the same as the original version.

"I set out on a narrow way many years ago, hoping I would find true joy along the broken road. But I got lost a time or two, wiped my brow and kept pushing through. I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to You.

And every long lost dream led me to where You are. Others things that stired my heart, they were just northern stars pointing me on my way into Your loving arms. This much I know is true, that God blessed the broken road that led me straight to You.

I think about all the years I spent just passing through. I'd like to take the time I lost and give it back to You, but You just smile and take my hand. You've heard this before. You understand. It's all part of a grander plan that is coming through.

And every long lost dream led me to where You are. Other things that stired my heart, they were just northern stars pointing me on my way into Your loving arms. This much I know is true, that God blessed the broken road that me straight to You.

Now I'm just rolling home in my Beloved's arms. This much I know is true that God blessed the broken road and led me straight to You. ... that God blessed the broken road and led me straight to You."

My conversion story truly was a love story, just not the kind that I expected. There are many different types of love and one of them is between God and humanity. I fell in- love with Jesus. I never dreamed that such love existed. In the words of St. Augustine, "Our hearts were made for You Oh Lord, and they are restless until they rest in You." I found true peace and happiness.

"God Blessed the Broken Road" was originally performed by Rascal Flats but I prefer this version by Selah. http://youtube.com/watch?v=PZ7n6NXXYmo

If you'd like the lyrics to the real song, then go to www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/rascalflats/blessedthebrokenroad.html.

Witness to Hope

I'm going to tell you the story of a man who refered to himself as, "a witness to hope." For thematic purposes I won't reveal his name until much later. He is an inspiration to all of those who are struggling to hope in troubling times.

Many years ago in the land of poland, a baby boy was born. His nickname was Lolek. Lolek had a loving and devoutly Catholic family. At the young age of eight, Lolek lost his dear mother and then his older brother three years later. His father was all that he had left. These sorrows however, did not bring Lolek down. He was a confident and happy young man who excercised his many talents. Lolek was an athlete, a scholar, and a great actor. He began his first year of college with the intention of acting professionally. Then all of a sudden, his plans were changed.

Poland, his dear homeland, was captured by the Nazis and World War II began. Lolek and his father were driven from their home and they worked in a quarry just to survive. He had to say goodbye to his Jewish friends who were fleeing in order to save their lives. Poland's culture was suppressed. Plays, poetry, and music were forbidden.

Lolek couldn't bear to let the arts come to an end. He and several others secretly met at people's houses to perform for them. They risked their lives so that their Polish culture would not be forgotten. On one occasion, Adolf Hitler gave another fanatic speech. It was heard over the radio where Lolek was performing. Despite the power of Hitler's words, Lolek did not stop reading his speech. He refused to give way. He desired to proclaim his message no matter what.

Suddenly, Loleck's father died. At the age of twenty his entire family was gone. Years later he said that by this time in his life that he had lost all of those that he loved, even one that he would have loved. You see his older sister died in infancy before he was even born. During this period he was filled with tremendous sorrow. He got through this with his Catholic faith.

He became drawn to prayer like never before. He started to realize that he might have a call to the priesthood. Lolek knew that if he did pursue this vocation he would be in grave danger. Priests were definitely not favored by the Nazis. Seminarians had to meet in secret for formation. If he was discovered he would be killed. At the age of twenty-one, Lolek took the plunge and entered a seminary. He studied with his fellow seminarians by night and worked at his job by day. One terrifying day, Lolek and the other seminarians were nearly discovered. God protected them from their foes. Finally, after years of study, Lolek was ordained a priest.

After several years of oppression, Poland was set free from the Nazis. The land rejoiced, but their celebration was short-lived. They were taken over by the Soviet Union. The country was now communist. This wasn't much better than being ruled by the Nazis. Communism not only poisoned their form of government, but also their people. Even during these troubling times, Lolek did not give up. His Catholic faith remained a rock solid formation for him.

Many years passed and Poland was still under the control of the communists. Twenty-nine year ago to this day, something amazing happened. In Rome, a great multitude of people gathered outside. A man proclaimed words that everyone wanted to hear, "Habemus Papum!" This is Latin for, "We have a pope!" The crowd shouted for joy and they eagerly awaited for the man to be introduced. His original name was Karol Wojtyla (Voy-tee-wa), but he became known as Pope John Paul II. To say the least, this was a great surprise. Not only did he come from a communist country, but there had never been a polish pope before. The trend for the past few centuries was having an Italian pope.

Before, Karol (his real name) was ruled by men who hated the Catholic Church, but now he was the head of the Catholic Church. He came from the bottom and rose to the top. John was a peace maker, author, and missionary to the whole world. He wasn't popular for his conservative views, but that did not stop him from proclaiming the Church's stance on tough issues. John Paul knew that if one was Catholic that one had to remain strong. Throughout his reign, he dealt with difficult problems; materialism, the affects of the sexual revolution, terrorism, the scandals of sexually abusive priests... just to name a few. John Paul even suffered through an assassination attempt. He had the courage and strength to forgive the man who tried to kill him. The Holy Father never gave up on his children. He expected great things from them. Pope John Paul II was truly a witness to hope.

If you liked this than check out the documentary, "Witness to Hope." If you have the time read the book. It's very long but worth it.

One of the Patron Saints of This Blog

Today is the feastday of St. Therese of Lisieux, one of the patron saints of this blog. In honor of my favorite saint I'm writing a few recommendations.

First, her autobiography, "The Story of a Soul." If you want to get inside of her head and heart than this is definitely the book for you. It's one of my favorite books of all time!

Second, "The Mother of the Little Flower." This short book reveals who Therese's mother truly was; a strong woman of conviction. There's also a book entitled, "The Father of The Little Flower" but I haven't read it. Both of them are being considered for canonization! Eventually I'll write about what an amazing couple they truly were.

Third, "Celine The Sister of St. Therese." This beautiful work shows how this dear saint influenced her older sister.

Fourth, if you desire to start your day with a quote by the Little Flower or a quick story about her then check out, "Mornings with St. Therese." It's a positive way to begin your morning!

Fifth, if you've want to know the Little Flowers views on topics such as loving God, loving neighbor, hope, Our Lady, the Blessed Sacrament, etc. you'll be inspired by "Quotes of Saint Therese."

Sixth, if you want to learn how to follow the Little Way read the short booklet, "With Child-like Trust: The Spiritual Childhood of the Little Flower." www.littleflower.org

Seventh, you've got to see Luke Film's "Therese." It's not perfect but it's a wonderful film anyway. (I'm just picky because I'm a Theresian "scholar.") This movie is a great introduction to this compelling saint and it promotes vocations!

Prayers for the Troops

In honor of the feastday of St. Michael the Archangel who is the patron saint of soldiers, this update is dedicated to specifically praying for the troops.

O Saint Michael, defender of goodness, righteousness, and truth please protect the soldiers in Iraq from physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual harm. For those who are already suffering from these afflictions bring them comfort and hope so that they may persevere. Please pray for their sanctification and if they do not know the beauty of Catholicism pray for their conversion. Many are in grave spiritual danger, so send the soldiers chaplains who are faithful to the Church. Their souls greatly need nourishment, not merely to fight against the earthly enemy but the worst enemy of all: the devil.

Even though the troops are away from home, assure them that Their Heavenly Father is with them and that their mother Mary is there to console them. Pray that they may receive Jesus Christ in the Eucharist daily if possible to have the strength and power to become holy and fight for their Master. Make Confession available to them to rid them of all that is unclean. Ask The Holy Spirit to help them use His fruits and gifts properly. Remind them of their fellow soldiers, the saints, who endured the good fight.

Please pray especially for the families of the soldiers. May they come together during this difficult time and grow spiritually. Give them the strength they need to live another day separated from their loved one.

The Official Prayer to St. Michael

Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in the day of battle. Be our protection against the wickedness
and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray. O do
thou O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God thrust into
Hell Satan and all the evil spirits prowling about the world seeking the
ruin of souls.

Amen.

Here's a song called "Letters from War." You are warned though, it will probably make you cry.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=x9CHRioindE&feature=related

Inside Mary's Immaculate Heart

Today is Our Lady's birthday! In honor of her I wrote a poem entitled, "Inside Mary's Immaculate Heart."

Let her take you by the hand into her Immaculate Heart. It is full of infinite graces and gifts for anyone who asks for them. These things shall make you able to stand strong to fight against all that is evil.

This woman who is here to aide you is your soul's own mother. She has the most pure heart ever known to man. She is free from all sin and God once physically dwelt within her womb. Your soul's mother is as gentle as any woman could be.

She is a living vessel of love. Open up the doors to her heart and she will show you what love is. No one loved Jesus more than Mary did, so she can teach you how to love Him. She can show you how to treat everyone as a son or daughter. She also is your teacher in prayer. She shows you how to pray even during your everyday tasks. Now you are able to pray always, just as she has always done.

You encounter another door that looks spectacular. Mary hands you the key to open that door but you do not know what to expect. You do not know if you will be able to handle it. The door is just so large and you are afraid. Then your mother, who realizes your fear, holds you in her arms and says that you are ready to go in there. The lady sweetly says, "Just remember all that I have taught you."

Mary takes you by the hand and simply gazing at her loving face you feel the courage to take the next step. You use the key to open the door and you step in.

You are in awe because you realize that you are in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In His Sacred Heart you find things in it that you never dreamed possible. Jesus eagerly welcomes you into His loving arms, never letting you go. Then, Mary warmly says that, "You could not have entered the Sacred Heart of my Son without first going through my own heart, because I am the one who possesses the key."