Editorial

The release of Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ this week on Ash Wednesday has garnered more advance publicity than many other films in recent memory.

Although I have not seen the movie yet, those who have testify to its power. Bishop Robert C. Morlino watched the film with young people at the recent FOCUS conference in Denver. After the screening, the bishop said over 1,400 college students stayed in place, not moving or saying anything for over five minutes. "The truth of what happened to Jesus Christ pierces to the very core, as one would expect," Bishop Morlino said.

Refuting charges of anti-Semitism. Our bishop has urged all Catholics, Christians, and people of good will to view Mel Gibson's film. As for charges of anti-Semitism, Bishop Morlino insists the film makes it clear that "Jesus suffered and died because of the sins of all, so that all might be saved through Him. I would never recommend viewing a film that I saw to be bigoted in any way," he said.

In an interview with Diane Sawyer on ABC's Primetime Feb. 16 (see page 16 for more details [print edition only]), Gibson reiterated that blaming Jews for the death of Jesus is not the point of the film. "It's about faith, hope, love and forgiveness . . . It is reality for me . . . . I believe that," he said.

True believers. It seems that Gibson's faith is even being challenged by some critics. He's being called a "true believer" in a derogatory sense. A news release from the Catholic League - defending Gibson - says the term "true believer" was coined by philosopher Eric Hoffer to describe fanatics, both religious and secular.

In my opinion, our society needs more true believers - those who truly believe that Jesus lived, suffered, died, and rose from the dead; those who are willing to stand up and witness to others for those beliefs; those who will put their beliefs into action.

Eye-witness account. For those who are believers, Mel Gibson's film should be extraordinary. It will give us an eye-witness account of the last 12 hours of Jesus' life. Something we have read about and reflected upon for many years will come to life on the screen.

Jeff Cavins, host of the Catholic radio show Morning Air on Relevant Radio (1240 AM in the Madison area), saw the film with Gibson himself (see page 16 [print edition only]). "From the opening scene to the resurrection, the viewer becomes an eyewitness to the graphic reality of the Son of God completely pouring himself out for the world," said Cavins. "After seeing the film I will never experience the Eucharist the same again."

Opportunity for evangelization. For those who believe - or those whose faith is lukewarm - The Passion of the Christ offers a unique opportunity for education, evangelization, and deepening of faith. Catholic parishes, schools, and organizations have already bought tickets for groups to view the film followed by prayer and discussion.

I encourage Catholics to add viewing of The Passion of the Christ to their Lenten experiences of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. I'm sure it will be a powerful experience we will never forget.

Mary C. Uhler, editor

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Appreciates campaign support

To the publisher:

On behalf of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, I am writing to thank you and all of the faithful of the Diocese of Madison for your very generous 2002 collection contribution of $31,923.30. This support enables the Church in the United States to continue to support people who are poor to break the cycle of poverty.

Thanks to the prophetic foresight of our bishops and the generosity and dedication of clergy, religious, and lay-people, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development has supported the self-empowerment of low-income people as they find a way out of poverty - not just for a day, but for a lifetime. Last year, CCHD shared $11.5 million with 334 projects in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Through their gifts to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the people help to break the cycle of poverty and build community across our nation. We are grateful for your leadership and for the invaluable partnership of your diocesan director, Mr. Mark Brinkmoeller.

I invite you to join me in being filled with hope as we celebrate the accomplishments of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development during the past thirty-four years and re-commit ourselves to "renew the face of the earth" by eliminating the causes that make and keep people poor in our country.

Rev. Robert J. Vitillo, executive director,
Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Washington, D.C.