Vatican, 13 May, 2023 / 7:04 pm (ACI Africa).
A new film from EWTN Ireland was shown at the Vatican earlier this month. “Faith of our Fathers” tells the story of a Catholic priest in hiding during the 16th and 17th centuries. The film depicts the community’s efforts to protect him as he ministered to the faithful and celebrated outdoor Masses during the penal times in Ireland when civil disabilities were imposed on Catholics.
Aidan Gallagher, director of EWTN Ireland, recently spoke with EWTN News Nightly about the release of the film.
Gallagher explained that during the penal times Catholic education and doctrine was banned, it was forbidden to celebrate Mass, and the Irish language (Gaelic) was outlawed. Additionally, Catholics were barred from public office. Although this took place hundreds of years ago, Gallagher said he sees many modern-day comparisons.
“We decided to create this particular piece because it has so many contemporary correlations and relationships to the modern day,” he said during the interview.
The film was shown at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome on May 2. Participants — who hailed from many parts of the world including India, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates — gave feedback and offered testimonies of similar experiences in their countries.
Audience members watch the film “Faith of Our Fathers” at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome on May 2, 2023. Credit: EWTN Ireland
