Washington D.C., Jan 4, 2013 / 12:04 am (CNA).- A new documentary about the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe will premier Jan. 24 in Washington, D.C. and explore how the event helped spread the Catholic faith throughout the Americas.
The trailer for movie “The Blood & The Rose” says Our Lady of Guadalupe “delivered hope” and shared “a message that would change the continent, and the world.”
Director Timothy Watkins said Jan. 2 that the film relates the “fascinating historic details that point to the guidance of Divine Providence.”
“It truly is our story, one that the entire world needs to hear in order to experience the impact of this incredible miracle and its relevance in our age,” he said.
The movie examines the 1531 appearance of the Virgin Mary to the Aztec Juan Diego and the miraculous creation of her image on his cloak, called a tilma. The documentary will also examine scientific investigations of the image on the tilma.
“It’s a privilege to share the complete story of Our Lady of Guadalupe at long last, from the seeds of Catholicism and its amazing journey from the Middle East through Europe, to the miraculous events that set in motion the evangelization of the Americas,” said Watkins, whose previous work includes a documentary about U.S. President Ronald Reagan.
“The Blood & The Rose” is a production of Leo McWatkins Films.
Mexican actor Eduardo Verastegui is both an executive producer and narrator for the film. Another executive producer, Steve McEveety, helped produce the 2004 blockbuster The Passion of the Christ.
The movie’s premiere will take place the day before the National March for Life, which marks the anniversary of the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that mandated legal abortion nationwide.
“Given the state of modern culture, it’s nothing short of providential that the premiere is going to take place in the 40th anniversary of year of Roe v. Wade,” Watkins said.
In 1999 Pope John Paul II declared Our Lady of Guadalupe to be “Protectress of the Unborn.”
The premiere will take place Jan. 24 at Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. It will open at 6:15 p.m.
Raymond Arroyo of Eternal Word Global Catholic Network will emcee the event and several Catholic speakers will address the audience.
The premiere’s tickets cost $75 each. Proceeds will benefit Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington.
More information can be found at http://thebloodandtherose.com/
