The Greatest Miracle
on DVD
on DVD
An English-language version of The Greatest Miracle is finally
available for pre-order on DVD. Here’s the
review I wrote of the film during its brief run in theaters.
The
Greatest Miracle, from Dos Corazones Films (makers of Guadalupe), hit theaters last Friday, December 9. It is unlike anything else you have seen in a
movie theater. This animated film (also
available in 3D) is a theological walk through the Mass.
The movie follows the story of three
main characters, each dealing with personal struggles, who all find themselves
at Mass one Saturday thanks to the help of their guardian angels. It then progresses through the Mass and the
characters are inspired to delve into it more deeply as their angels open the
doors to an amazing spiritual world they had never really contemplated before.
The beautiful thing about this movie
is that it not only tells the viewer what each of the parts of the Mass is
about, it also reveals invisible realities that we are often unaware of when we
come to Mass.
When
we come to Mass, we don’t just sing a few songs, say a few prayers, and try to
think about God for an hour. We take one
step into Heaven. The Communion of
Saints is there, Our Lady is there, the Choirs of Angels are there, and most
importantly, Our Lord is there, truly present.
The Greatest Miracle
does a beautiful job illustrating all this.
As the Mass progresses, the characters learn how to truly prepare for
the Sacred Mysteries, and offer themselves at Mass. They see angels guiding souls to the
Lord. They watch as Jesus Himself,
through the priest, forgives sins in Confession, and offers Himself to the
Father, and then to us in Holy Communion.
The connection between the Eucharist and the Cross is powerful. They see the elevation of a soul from
Purgatory as it benefits from a worthy Communion offered by a pure heart.
The
format the film uses keeps the audience engaged and successfully integrates the
Mass with the stories of the main characters.
It challenges adults to approach Mass with wonder and love, and be
conscious of everything that happens there, both seen and unseen. It will also be an incredible teaching tool
for parents and religious educators. I
will certainly be awaiting its video release, but it is worth seeing in the
theater while you have the chance.
However, it may be difficult to do with a child, at least a young one,
because it would probably need a lot of explaining and lead to a lot of
discussion. Perfect, of course, for home
or in a classroom.
The
film is not without its flaws. First,
considering we are just adopting the new translation of the Roman Missal, it
would have been nice had that been in the movie. But if you’re already nostalgic for “and also
with you,” or “Lord, God of power and might,” you’ll find them here. Also, there is a part in which we see little
devils trying to distract people and keep them from making good
Confessions. That may be a little scary
for younger kids. In one instance a
devil even becomes a voluptuous, scantily clad woman in order to tempt a man to
lust. Even with an animated film, those
of us trying to guard our senses won’t really appreciate that. A priest friend of mine pointed out that it
was slightly inaccurate demonstrating the moment of transubstantiation, as
well.
Still,
it is an enjoyable and edifying film.
What’s even more beautiful is that a film whose main purpose is to
explain and inspire devotion for the Mass is being shown at mainstream movie
theaters. We can all pray that more
Catholic filmmakers will use their talents to honor and serve the Lord.
