Saint Michael Center - Catholic Teachings

EVANGELIZING THE CATHOLIC FAITH THROUGH HOLLYWOOD:
Mel Gibson’s “The Passion” and the upcoming “Therese” films will win souls for Our Lord & Lady

THÉRÈSE E-NEWSLETTER ~ FEBRUARY ISSUE

Dear Friend of THÉRÈSE,

"Looking at a picture of Our Lord on the Cross, I was struck by the blood flowing from one of His hands. I felt great sadness when I realized that this blood was falling to the ground without anyone's rushing to gather it up. I was resolved to remain in spirit at the foot of the Cross, to receive it, and pour it out upon souls." -Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST. Everyone is talking about Mel Gibson's movie, and this Wednesday it opens in theaters all across the country, with millions of tickets already sold. God is doing something unprecedented here - it's miraculous really, and I pray that many souls will be touched by this film, and drawn to follow Jesus.

For all of us who are working and praying so hard for our film THÉRÈSE, this attention and box office success is very good news indeed. On two levels: First on a practical level, because with the blockbuster success that Mel Gibson's high-budget production achieves, distributors will realize the huge market that exists for Christian films - Catholic ones at that, since Gibson has made no secret of his very Catholic perspective on the Passion of Our Lord - and audiences will be looking for a follow-up film to keep this religious movement alive. THÉRÈSE, an example of the living Gospel, could greatly help this artistic renaissance.

But on a deeper level, I think God's Providence is at work in the timing of all this. It is right and just that Jesus should come first, and Thérèse herself wouldn't want it any other way. THÉRÈSE is the perfect film to follow the PASSION, because she is, in spirit, at the foot of the Cross, catching the lost drops of Jesus' blood, to pour out His Love on countless souls. This is what she will do with her movie.

THE PASSION is a profound, epic film that will make all of us reflect on the deep sufferings of the Son of God, and yet it is a violent film, and not everyone will be able to handle it, as Mel Gibson himself has said. THÉRÈSE is a beautiful compliment, a gentle feminine movie - yet she, too, is filled with dramatic passion for her Beloved. She shows a different side of Christ - a vision of His mercy. Hers is a simple, human means to Heaven, a little way that is 'very short, very straight, and totally new.' And every soul who enters a movie theater and experiences Thérèse will know Christ in a more intimate way - because of this uncommon love story.

Yes, God is doing something very mysterious and wonderful, and we are His witnesses. He is taking the most powerful medium in our world - film - and using it to draw souls to himself. Mel Gibson's movie THE PASSION is a clear sign of His power, and the hunger in the human heart for the Truth. THÉRÈSE is little compared to Christ, but He does not shy away from using the little and the weak to do great things for Him.

Please continue to pray for the successful release of THÉRÈSE this coming October 2004. It is essential, while interest is so high in the message of the Gospel, and Hollywood and theater audiences are looking for something more after THE PASSION, that we strike while the iron is hot.

NONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOUR HELP. Mel Gibson spent millions of dollars on promotion for his film, in churches throughout the U.S. and it paid off. We have a grassroots movement of individuals like you who have completely funded this movie with your donations! People, who believe THÉRÈSE is important, know that we need this film in our theaters to spread the love of Jesus, and the message of His infinite love and mercy. You are the ones that have to be motivated to make this happen.

BUILDING PUBLIC AWARENESS IS EXPENSIVE! If you want to see THÉRÈSE in a movie theater near you, we must all work together to spread the word by:

·        Making a financial contribution, to fund screenings around the country, for influential and highly visible people who will publicize the film. Also, press kits will be sent to parishes and media building anticipation. This is what the Icon Productions PR team did for THE PASSION, with unparalleled success. Donate online at www.stlukeproductions.com or by calling our office at 1-800-683-2998, and strengthen the cause to release THÉRÈSE.

·        Telling everyone you know to visit www.theresemovie.com and register on the site so we know your area wants THÉRÈSE. Internet awareness is an extremely powerful way to send Hollywood a signal that this film will draw big crowds. Spread the word.

·        Keep praying! Saint Thérèse, pray for us, and with us, that your movie will touch many souls! Your prayers and support are a constant encouragement to me. I am filled with confidence and excitement - THÉRÈSE is coming in October 2004, and I know she will shower many miracles upon souls!

God bless you,

Leonardo Defilippis

Saint Luke Productions & Luke Films

PO BOX 761

Beaverton, OR 97075

(503)-524-7760

(800)-683-2998

www.theresemovie.com

www.stlukeproductions.com

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St. Michael the Archangel

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do you, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into Hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

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