BocelliOnline

[Anna in NY]

Wonderful News Woodsie!
I've yet to receive mine. It's supposed to arrive by July 11th.
Yours truly is battling a brutal case of poison ivy as a result of working in my garden. It's in my eyes, and I hope the swelling goes way down today. Otherwise, I won't be able to see "Credo" at St. Malachy's tomorrow!
The Hydrangeas, Bee Balm and Astilbe look great, though!
Ciao, Bella Woodsie!

_________________
Beddu Turridu !!!!!!!!!!!!

[RickDC]

[Anna in NY]

Buon Giorno a Tutti !

On Monday, July 10th, I took the quick 90 minute trip south to New York City in order to attend the pre-release viewing of 'CREDO ~ Giovanni Paulo II' which would be presented by the Follierei Foundation and St. Malachy's Church ~ The Actor's Chapel on West 49th Street. The bulletin at St. Malachy's described 'CREDO' as "A documentary film on John Paul the Great, directed by Alberto Michelini with music by Andrea Bocelli. " Though the screening would not be presented until 6:30pm, I arrived early in order to attend the 5:30pm Mass as well. I am so very glad that I did.

St. Malachy's is simply breathtaking. Compared to many churches, it is small in size, though great in it's beauty. Upon entering from the busy and bustling New York City streets, one is instantly struck by the serenity which is immediately evident. The majesty of its Gothic style does not overwhelm, but rather, invites one to take respite. My eyes could not turn away from the glorious fresco of the Crucifiction painted above the altar. To the left of the altar is a second, depicting the Annunciation and to the right yet another, equally as stunning.

The church began to slowly but surely fill. Besides the laity in attendence, I recognized many members of The Sisters of Life and The Fransican Sisters of the Renewal. Just before Mass was to begin, the Pastor of St. Malachy's, Rev. Richard D. Baker, spoke a few words to the congregation, welcoming us and inviting all to stay afterward for the presentation of 'CREDO'.

Mass was concelebrated by several priests, but Fr. Baker was the main celebrant. He led us in worship with great joy and dignity. I should be most happy to return there for the Holy Mass one day in future.

After Mass, the congregation was asked to move to the chairs that had been arranged to the left of the main church. A large movie screen was set up and everyone excitedly took their seats. I chose to sit on the aisle near the rear, but as my late father was fond of saying, "There wasn't a bad seat in the house." Everyone buzzed with excitement. People chatted.

Within a few moments, Mr. Follieri spoke from the podium, greeting us. He briefly explained his foundation's philanthropic endeavors which, among other things, concerns itself with doing what it can to address health care needs for the poor. Pope John Paul II, throughout his pontificate, urged such attention to those less fortunate. Mr. Follieri then introduced the director of 'CREDO', Mr. Alberto Michelini, who then spoke to us about his great affection for John Paul II. If I understood correctly, Mr. Michelini, serving as a photo journalist, had accompanied the Holy Father on many of his visits to other countries throughout John Paul II's pontificate. Over the years, he and John Paul II became friends. In fact, he shared a wonderful story of how, when he was away on one particular trip to Poland with the Holy Father, his wife, then 8 months pregnant with twins, gave birth prematurely. ("I thought I had time.." he told us with a smile. The audience laughed.) When John Paul II learned of this he approached Mr. Michelini to ask how the twins were. According to Mr. Michelini, the Holy Father then proclaimed that he would baptize the babies the next month.

And he did.

And throughout his production, you are able to see how much Mr. Michelini truly loved John Paul II.

When I had first learned that 'CREDO' was a documentary about John Paul II, I automatically envisioned a film about his life that would be presented in chronological order, narrated by someone, along with Andrea's music in the background. My supposition could not have been more incorrect. 'CREDO' opens with scenes from the "Novendiali" which are the nine days of official mourning of the Pope's death. We see the somber images of the Holy Father's body being carried to St. Peter's Basilica from the Papal apartments, where millions then came to pay their respects.

Then, without a word of narration,we are treated to clips of John Paul II that had been taken throughout the years. The Holy Father is seen with children who spontaneously reach out for, hug and kiss him. We hear his strong words regarding war and peace. Film from his visits to Poland in 1999, Lourdes, Cuba, Mexico Rome, Bucharest, Damascus, Nazareth, Jerusalem and Asia among other places help one to remember what a universal appeal and love John Paul II held for the people of the world. (Seeing him interact with Teenagers at World Youth Day, Tor Vergata in Rome, held special meaning for me, for my husband John, my children and I were there in the summer of 2000 . I was reduced to tears upon seeing a banner in the crowd which said, "Noi Ci Crediamo!" ) We hear the Holy Father praying the rosary. His words regarding the dignity and vocation of women are there. Celebrating Mass, walking in nature which he loved, meeting with world leaders, embracing the poorest of the poor. So many pieces of wonderful, joyful film fill the 60 minute documentary.

And yet, almost strangely to me at first, the film is edited so as to repeatedly return to the days leading up to the funeral of the beloved John Paul II.
While watching, I kept asking myself why Mr. Michelini had chosen to do this. This human heart of mine would rather concentrate on the joy, not the sorrow. However, as the film continued to unfold, I reallized that Mr. Michelini had succeeded in reminding us that we had been blessed with the loving John Paul II for over 25 years, and now we are without him. It is up to us to carry on his message which is that God loves us all, and we are to love each other in the same way. Bravo Signore Michelini. Grazie a Lei per il vostro film.

As for Andrea Bocelli's voice being part of the background of 'CREDO' ~ Banish the thought. Andrea's singing is the perfect compliment to this very moving presentation and is an integral part of the film's essence. From the joyous Gloria a te, Cristo Gesu` to the mournful "Pieta` Signore" that expressive voice that we love so well, serves as a peaceful comfort, a stirring reminder, that believers need not become lost in sorrow, but remain steadfast in hope and faith.

I was pleased to find two links to photos of the evening! These are from St. Malachy's Church Website and can really give you an idea of what the event was like. I was surprised to find the first link's photo. The gentleman in ther foreground is the director, Mr. Alberto Michelini. On the steps behind him you can see me standing while shaking Fr. Baker's hand.

http://www.actorschapel.org/photogallery/07-10-06-CREDO/target26.html

This next link is to the full set of photos taken after the preview. As I wrote earlier, you will get a true feel of the event from these.

http://www.actorschapel.org/photogallery/07-10-06-CREDO/index.html

I truly did try to be as succinct as possible when writing my impressions here. As you can see, there was much I took away with me from the film. As a Roman Catholic, it was a spectacular witness to the works of the inspirational Pope John Paul II. As a woman, is was a blessing in that it reminded me of the many roles we women play in this world. As a teacher in a parochial school who prepares children for the Sacraments, it is a powerful tool that I would choose to use with students. As a fan of Andrea Bocelli's music, it is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy hearing Our Favorite Tenor sing these Sacred Arias in a most appropriate context.

I think that all who view CREDO will find their own special meaning in it. I know that I did.

Pace a tutti,
Respectfully Submitted.

Anna
_________________
Beddu Turridu !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sally]

A wonderful review, Anna. It must have been a touching and memorable event for you. Thank you for sharing with us.
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"Where are we REALLY going? Always home."

[Anna in NY]

From the National Catholic Register~ And interview with Alberto Michelini...

Dining With — and Filming — Pope John Paul II
by TIM DRAKE

INPERSON INTERVIEW
National Catholic Register
He dined regularly with Pope John Paul II. Now Alberto Michelini has told his story on.........

Link to complete Article:

http://www.catholic.net/us_catholic_news/template_article.phtml?channel_id=1&article_id=4414
_________________
Beddu Turridu !!!!!!!!!!!!