The Nativity Story

Wow, yesterday I had the amazing opportunity to see a preview screening of the next major Hollywood film, The Nativity Story (New Line Cinema). A faithful, faith filled portrayal of the birth of Christ. While we are prohibited in giving a media review of this film (the media has not yet had a chance to view it),I can say it was very faithful to the nativity narrative, and the instances where the filmmakers took liberties, were in line with what is theologically and historically acceptable. Plus it was absolutely beautifully filmed.
I was participating in a catechical conference this weekend, when all of the participants were invited to be part of this very special preview screening. We were the first group of Canadian Catholics to review this film, also coincidentally yesterday was also the day when Pope Benedict XVI was given his own personal private screening.
Look out for the film in December it will be the prefect way to start off the Christmas Season, keeping the focus on the reason for the season.

Official Trailer



Teaser Trailer



ON THE SET WITH...Screenwriter Mike Rich



ON THE SET WITH...Director Catherine Hardwicke



ON THE SET: THE NATIVITY STORY...Production and Costume Design

Linda's New Blog

My friend Linda now has her own "working" blog, Worship: the heart of life. This is her second attempt her first blog would only materialize to the select and fortunate few on her buddy list. Linda is an exceptionally bright and talented young lady, who will be an excellent addition to the Catholic blogging world. Linda is a revert to the Catholic Church after spending some time as an evangelical (even going to study at a bible college). Her experiences and studies, will bring excellent insight into our understanding of Catholic Theology. Also important to note, Linda is the Worship Leader of the BEATattitudes (who have a rocking bassist, lol).

UCC back at it

The United Church of Christ is back at it, they have produced another ridiculous T.V. AD similar to their bouncer AD,insinuating that other Churches refuse entry to minorities. The commercial shows members of various minorities being ejected from a church, and then telling us that everyone is welcome in the United Church of Christ. None of the major networks are willing to air the commercials, and now UCC is claiming that is being discriminated against, because no one will help them in waging the own denominational war.


They even took a pot shot at Fr. Richard Neuhaus.

Fr. Tom is coming back

Fr. Tom Dowd of Waiting in Joyful Hope is coming back to my parish, St. Thomas à Becket Parish. This is excellent news as Fr. Tom was very missed when he transferred to St. Luke's Parish last September.

UPDATE: Fr. Robert Clark the current chaplain of the Newman center and vocation director for the English-speaking sector of the Archdiocese of Montreal, and former Becket associate pastor, will be serving as our new pastor. Fr. Tom will be joining him as part time associate pastor, continuing his roll as chaplain at the Lakeshore Hospital, and Fr. Gilles will be leaving Becket to become associate pastor with Fr. Roger at St.Luke's Parish. All of this takes effect September 1st, 2006.

God or the Girl

Sorry for the long delay in posting folks, but I'm back at it now. After having read Fr. Tom of waiting in Joyful Hope's blog post on the A&E series God or the Girl, I decided I should jump back into the Bloging fray to give my own opinions of the show. This documentary series is billed as to be about 4 young men discerning a vocation to become Catholic priests. I have to say this show is honest, it does not try to make these young men look crazy nor does it attempt to ridicule the Catholic faith. In stead it portrays 4 very real "normal" young men who are struggling with a very personal spiritual decision. The name of this show and it's tag line are too superficiality and cliche for the rest of the documentary series, which actual for the most part succeeds at portraying this complex subject. There is also an issues about how they are pushing a time frame on the young men, where they have to make a final decision in a matter of weeks, this is of course rather silly. Also I had some problems with one of the Mike's (one of the 4 young men) Spiritual Director, Father Pauselli's, approach. Fr. Pauselli is claiming that he knows for certain that Mike is called to the priesthood, and that he is disappointed that Mike is not making the right choice. I personally don't think that a spiritual director should be pushing someone they are directing one way or the other, but instead direct him in true discernment, so that he can be able to determine his calling. It also seems like the show has elevate the vocation of Holy Orders above marriage, and that to discern that if one is called to marriage, he is making an inferior choice. The show is excellent, but I do believe that producers are slightly misinformed on the concept of vocation.

Layton and Duceppe call for Abdul Rahman's release

Jack Layton leader of the New Democratic Party and Gilles Duceppe of the Bloc Québécois have joined the chorus of voices calling for the release of Abdul Rahman, and respect for his human rights. Together with Prime Minister Stephen Harper , all of the leaders of Canadian political parties, except Liberal (the official opposition) have now spoken out. The Liberals still remain silent on the matter.

Welcome Amal & In the Heart of God readers

I would like to extend a warm welcome to the readers of Amal & In the Heart of God, And thank Marie-Linda for her wonderful introduction. You can find the meaning of my blog title and a t of my blogging philosophy in my first post. I'm currently devoting some of my blogging time to the fate of Abdul Rahman, but the main purpose  of this blog is accompany me on my  pilgrimage life, as I discern what I'm called to do.

President Karzai assures that respect for human and religious rights will be upheld

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, has just issued a press release regarding Abdul Rahman:

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement after the conclusion of his telephone call to Afghanistan President Karzai.

"I called President Karzai today to express my deep concerns regarding theRahmanm case and the issue of freedom of religion in Afghanistan.

President Karzai listened to my concerns and we had a productive and informative exchange of views.

Upon the conclusion of the call, he assured me that respect for human and religious rights will be fully upheld in this case."

I don't know if this is just diplomat speakch, but this seems to be a very good sign. President Karzai's response is probably motivated by the attention in the Wes,t now being focused on him, With Amnesty International, now speaking out:

Amnesty International today called on the Afghan authorities to urgently commit themselves to judicial reform and the upholding of international standards as Abdul Rahman, 41, reportedly faces calls for his execution in connection with his reported conversion from Islam to Christianity.

And as Dawn Eden reported, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs R. Nicholas Burns, speaking out on behalf of the U.S., asserted that "people should be free to choose their religion and should not suffer any severe penalties, certainly not death."