Videos Reviewed in October
Saints
Saints are the focus of the October Dinner and Movie. Emphasis is placed on connecting the Saints’ lives with our own life issues. The Saints’ lives exemplify the Jubilee year themes of reconciliation and social justice.
We are called to be saints by our Baptism into the Church. "Before you were born, before you were conceived, in your mother’s womb, I called you by name!" (Jeremiah 1:4-5).
The lives and times of the Saints teach us about our history and our story in the Catholic Tradition.
VIDEOS SHOWN DURING MOVIE AND DINNER |
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Video Number |
Video Name/Description |
Notes |
| VC 6190 15 Min Preschool Primary |
Saints Alive Don Bosco MultiMedia, 1986 The first video in the Saints Alive: Stories of Faith for Children series. Singer-songwriter Mary Lu Walker leads children in song that highlights the message of the lives of saints. The program also features a look at children exploring the values of saints in their own lives. The video is a good introduction to All Saints Days and its relation to modern life. An explanation is given of who are saints and Saints. Saints may be any special people. A good explanation for the younger children is given connecting Halloween to All Saints Day. |
Clothes a bit dated but younger
children probably won’t notice. Information is good but presentation might be too
young for upper intermediate grades. Some thought the section with the pastor talking with the children was too long.
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| VC 6884 76 Min Junior Senior Adult |
Saints Gallery: Volumes I through IV Oblate Media, 1995 What exactly is a Saint? What makes them so different? What relevance do their store is have to life in today’s world? In this four volume program , the viewer will learn about the lives and deeds of people whose names have become synonymous with virtue, holiness and compassion. The viewer will marvel at the depth of their faith and devotion to God, but also see their humanity, their imperfections, their triumphs and failures. VOLUME I (33 min): What exactly is a saint? What makes them different? Stories of St. Joseph, Elizabeth Ann Seton, Martin De Porres, Joan of Arc, Martin of Tours, Elizabeth of Hungary. VOLUME II (47 min): Discusses Canonization. Stories of St. Benedict, St. Francis, St. Ignatius, St. Angela, St. Eugene. VOLUME III (42 min): Mary Queen of Saints, St. Valentine, St. Patrick, St. Nicholas, St. Mary Magdalen. VOLUME IV (45 min): St. Peter, St. Claire of Assisi, St. Thomas Aquinas, Catherine of Siena, St. Paul. |
Great opening Narrator has very pleasant voice Good explanation of Saints and saints Art work is good Good job of different images of Joseph throughout the years Overall rating by viewers: Excellent |
| VC 6257 23 Min Senior (jr/srs) Adult |
One of the great insights of the Christian tradition is the Communion of Saints – outstanding people who have made the God of Jesus Christ incarnate in our world. Numerous saints and twentieth-century heroes and heroines are shown. Through their lives we see how God acts in our world, and that we are part of the great circle of Saints. The video also shows Jesus and Mary as multicultural images. |
The video connects the Saint with a
contemporary issue. Uses the format of a description of the saint and then a petition for
us. Could lead to further research projects on the lesser know saints. Interfaith/interracial. Broaden thinking to include all people. Good multicultural images Might also use clips from video when discussing images of God. Other uses included guided meditation for high school class on prayer or adults
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| VC 7025 16 Min Intermediate Junior |
Martin de Porres: Father of Charity Twenty-Third Publications, 1998 Part of the Saints for All Seasons series in which heavenly archivists Gilbert and Gwendolyn take turns telling the children about the lives and times of the saints. They make it a point to show how children can imitate the saints’ virtues in the ordinary events of their lives. November 3 is the feast of St. Martin de Porres. Gwendolyn tells of St. Martin’s kindness to all God’s creatures – from the greatest to the least. Children will learn to use personal gifts for God’s glory and the good of others; to comfort the sick; to accept all people as brothers and sisters; and to serve others humbly. |
Gives time at the end for discussion.
Discussion guide available. Good for everyone even senior high and adult. Excellent! |
| VC 6425 59 Min Adult |
Saint: The Gospel Musical on the life of
St. Martin de Porres Ligouri Publications, 1989 The life of the South American Saint Martin de Porres is portrayed in this musical video. He was known for his healings, miracles and humility. St. Martin de Porres is the only black saint of the Americas recognized throughout the world. He was of black and Spanish parentage. The story is set around a group of college seniors who are required by the university they attend to put on a musical about St. Martin’s life. The students are skeptical at first, but after research they find that St. Martin was a predecessor to many of their own beliefs and ideals. |
Multicultural casting of characters. Using a 5 minute clip for dinner & a movie Good. Viewers liked video. |
| VC 6667 160 Min Junior Senior Adult |
A Man for All Seasons Columbia Pictures, 1966 Sir Thomas More, the Chancellor of England in the 15th century, refuses to back King Henry VIII in his plan to divorce his wife to marry Anne Boleyne. Henry demands the clergy to renounce the Pope and to name him the head of the Church of England. Thomas More is brought to trial after being framed. He is found guilty of treason and beheaded. His example resulted in sainthood. The movie won six academy award including best picture for 1966. |
Exemplifies freedom of conscience. |
VIDEOS REVIEWED BUT NOT SHOWN DURING DINNER AND A MOVIE |
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Video Number |
Video Name/Description |
Notes |
| VC 6326 30 Min Intermediate |
Nicholas, They Boy Who Became Santa Creative Communications, 1989 Nicholas was still a young child when he discovered a very special secret that changed his life forever – the gift of giving. With this gift, Nicholas brought happiness to many people; but, in sharing this great gift he had to face many dangers. The video presents the fascinating story of the boy whose love and care for others make him one of the most popular legendary figures. Based on historical facts and traditions, this fully animated video shares the story behind the feast we celebrate on December 6. |
Nice tie between St. Nicholas and the Baby Jesus. |
| VC 6812 21 Min Junior Senior Adult |
Maximilian Kolbe Daughters of St. Paul, 1984 From the midst of the hate and horror of a Nazi concentration camp came a sterling example of what it means to lay down one’s life for another. This true documentary/drama profiles the life and heroic offering of the Franciscan Father Maximilian Kolbe. Francis Gajowniczek, the man whose place Father Kolbe took, tells of Fr. Kolbe’s last days at Auschwitz. Scenes from Pope John Paul’s visit to Auschwitz and the canonization of St. Maximilian Kolbe complete this story of a modern day Saint. |
Teachers may want to preview some of the scenes before showing to younger children. |
| VC 6951 28 Min Junior Senior Adult |
Kateri Tekakwitha: Native American Saint Hallel Communications, 1994 Part of the Catholic Life in America series. This series provides an informal history of the Catholic people of the United States and their past contributions in the forging of the American nation and the growth of Christian values in the New World. The programs document the achievement of an individual or group within the context of particular period and its issues, as well as assessing their ramifications for our time and the future of Catholic life in America. This video profiles Kateri Tekakwitha, child of an Algonquin woman and a Mohawk chief. Kateri was born in Gandaouague in 1656. Orphaned, half blind, scarred by smallpox and considered of little worth in her own world, she was destined to walk the path of holiness and was declared Blessed in 1980. Kateri has become a symbol of reconciliation emerging from the collision of cultural, economic and political forces that forged a new nation in the wilderness. |
The video is done documentary style –
lots of use of black and white pen and ink drawings and black and white/sepia tones
photographs. Good history lesson on missionaries and Indians – what the Whites did to convert the Native American. Parts of the video are very good for showing the inculturation of the Native American within the present day Church. |
| VC 6307 15 Min Primary Intermediate |
Blessed Kateri Tekawitha Don Bosco MultiMedia, 1989 Part of the Saints Alive Series. Two or three essential values of the life of Blessed Kateri Tekawitha are focused on in this video. Singer-songwriter Mary Lu Walker then leads the children in a song that highlights one of the messages of Kateri’s life. The program also features a look at children exploring the values of the Saint’s life in their own lives. Story is told by a child using drawings done by children. |
Reviewers on the Media Committee rated this video as very good and age appropriate. The video emphasized things children could relate to. |
| VC 6174 45 Min Intermediate Junior |
Saints Are People Too! Brown/Roa, 1987 Belonging is a basic human need. We want to belong to a family and have friends. We need relationships. This program introduces children to saints who are Christian heroes, including some who are canonized, or officially recognized by the Church. Tape 1, Segment 1 Saints Love People: John Bosco, Dominic Savio, Mama Margaret Bosco
Segment 3 Saints Love Freedom: Brigid of Ireland Tape 2, Segment 4 Saints Love to Laugh: Philip Neri, Therese of the Child Jesus
Segment 6 Saints Love to Dream |
Information good. Clothing somewhat dated Has stopping points between each segment for discussion. |
| VC 6245 480 Min Adult |
DeSales Program: Our Catholic Creed Diocese of Oregon, 1987 With the Apostles Creed as a guide, this eight-session series presents today’s major faith issues and concerns in light of Vatican II. Tape 1 Session 1 Many Creeds…One Credo Session 2 The Divine Personality Tape 2 Session 3 Who Do You Say I Am? Session 4 Holy Spirit: Breath of God Tape 3 Session 5 The Church: We are God’s Holy People Session 6 Blessed are You: Mary and the Saints Tape 4 Session 7 My Peace I Leave You Session 8 We Believe in Life Everlasting |
Sessions 5 and 6 give information on Saints: abuses in devotion to, realistic holiness, contemporary examples of, devotions to, discussion of Vatican 2, in the New Testament, lives of. |