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Westminster Interfaith Newsletter
Issue 66 – May 2010
The 13th Day – New Film on Fatima – a film for all faiths
With Pope Benedict XVI due to visit Portugal in May this year, it seems appropriate to announce the production of a new film detailing Our Lady's apparition to three shepherd children in Fatima in 1917. Filmed on location in Portugal, as well as in the United Kingdom, "The 13th Day" is the first major film on the subject in over 50 years. The film weaves a story based on the memoirs of one of the children, who later became Sister Maria Lucia de Jesus, as well as thousands of eyewitness accounts of the events.
According to Anthony Ryan, marketing director for Ignatius Press, the film is a combination of "great entertainment, catechesis and evangelization". It is "a wake-up call" for our culture today, "with a message everyone should hear," Catholics, Protestants and Muslims.
Its particular relevance, Ryan explained, can be seen in the connection between the story of Fatima and Muslims. He suggested that "one of the most important ways to reach Muslims is through Our Lady of Fatima." Father Andrew Apostoli, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal and a Fatima expert, explained that the Muslim people have a great love of Mary, and Our Lady of Fatima in particular. "Fatima" was the name of the daughter of the prophet, Muhammad (pbuh).
When statues of Our Lady of Fatima are brought into an Islamic country, Father Apostoli said, Catholics sometimes have a hard time finding room in the church where she is being honored, as it tends to be filled with Muslims. "Mary rises above the differences between Christians and Muslims," he said. "Both sides can go to Mary, and she becomes the link."
The film "speaks to you regardless of your faith or your belief system", said Ian and Dominic Higgins, two brothers who worked together to write and direct the film. "In Fatima, you may find a way to peace."
"I believe this film will assist the cause of the world's peace and the salvation of souls" says Father Apostoli, "This film is a great gift from God."
It is rather sad and unfortunate to report that recently four statues at the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima were vandalized with graffiti as well as statues of recent popes in the centre of town.
For more information about the film: http://www.ignatius.com/the-13th-day/
