“Of Gods and Men” and Vincentian martyrs

Many in the Vincentian Family have been deeply moved by the critically acclaimed movie “Of Gods and Men” (Official YouTube trailer), winner of the Grand Prix at the  2010 Cannes Film Festival. It tells the story of Christian monks faced with a terrible choice of staying or leaving their people in Algeria in 1995. If you have not seen this well researched and superbly acted movie it is well worth the video rental. It is also well worth viewing more than once, especially the last supper scene for what is revealed in their faces.

Most of us are familiar with the terrible choice faced by the Vincentians and the Daughters of Charity martyred during the French Revolution and highlighted by the most recent beatification of  Maruerite Rutan.

It  might be helpful to keep in mind that more Christian were martyred in the 20th century than in the previous 19 centuries.

Suggestions:

• Rent the movie. It captures the human tensions face by the martyrs in in various branches of the Vincentian Family.
• View Fr. Barron’s Word on Fire video reflection on his experience of viewing the film. Also a print review.
• Share your reactions with others int he Vincentian Family who have seen it.