ruah arts group

I just got done speaking with Joe Campo, producer for Grassroots Films, and producer of that super-fabulous famous “Fishers of Men” Vocations Short. They’ve just been told they will receive this year’s Gabriel Award for Religious Feature in National Release.

 If this is a sign of things to come, I can’t wait to see their first feature length film, “The Human Experience,” which comes out this fall. We’re trying to get Grassroots out here for a premiere in Madison this fall, so if you know anyone who may feel called to help organize/ financially support the premeire, email us: ruahfellowship@gmail.com.

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See NY Times Article on the death of one of cinema’s finest. See also Steven Greydanus’ review of Bergman’s classic “The Seventh Seal (1957).”

 Although I was somewhat disturbed by Bergman’s film “Persona,” I found “The Seventh Seal” a thought provoking, soul stirring commentary of the stuff of life…and death.

Eternal rest grant unto him, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Ingmar Bergman, requiscant in pace.

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It’s one the best contemporary novels I’ve read. I can’t tell you how many copies I’ve given away or let people borrow. I’ve never met someone who read the book who had a lukewarm response to the book. Either you love it or hate it.

 And now “definitive steps have been made” toward making a film of Father Elijah.

In a recent e-newsletter from author Michael D. O’Brien, he talks of the blessings he has received recently as an author, including more and more translations of his books abroad, but most notably the news that perhaps “Father Elijah” will become a film.

Can it happen? Will it make it? Would it be too preachy in an uncatechized world? Perhaps the biggest question I have is will it make the artistic jump to the big screen? Or will it get lost in filmographic translation? We don’t know. But let us pray that God’s will be done, and for many spiritual fruits in the faith and culture drama.

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Mark your calendars, Madison: August 10th is our monthly Ruah night, where we eat, watch and discuss a film on its artistic merits. This month the movie is Citizen Kane, which is the American Film Institute’s #1 Film of all time. Click here to see a review on Decent Films by Faith&Film guru Steven Greydanus.

If you have other suggestions email us at ruahfellowship@gmail.com.

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What do Summorum Pontificum, the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and ruah arts group have in common? Give up? Well, if you don’t know, then I’m not going to tell you!

Okay, so, as we celebrate the mystery of liturgical tradition unfolding in our time, we are called, as always, to re-call and believe in the Truth and Beauty of our Lord Jesus Christ. And for all those contemplatives out there, this is really all you need: today is your day! Add a sprinkle of Song of Songs, a little St. John of the Cross, some 1 Kings and there you go…a power-punch of contemplative fun!

On this feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, let’s first-of-all join in prayer with the Holy Spirit. This once-forgotten art, mere contemplation, requires the very stillness which God reminds us helps us to truly encounter Him. Today, let us meet God where He’s at, for a change, and simply pray.

Happy feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel!

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What does the “Theology of the Body guy” say about Alfonso Cuaron’s 2006 dystopian, unwittingly prolife film?

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“The film industry has become a universal medium for exercising a profound influence on the development of people’s attitudes and choices, and possessing a remarkable ability to influence public opinion and culture across all social and political frontiers.” -Pope John Paul II

So, for people who see movies as more than entertainment, a medium for portraying the ineffable, we have Ruah movie nights, the second Friday of every month at 6:30pm at Casa Smith. Movies will start at 7:00pm (whether you’re on time or not). We’ll preface the movie with a little explanation–a story, a theme, or background information on the film itself–and chat after the movie. Refreshments will be on a potluck/ benefactor basis.

Dates are as follows through 2007. Movies will be announced, but we still are firming up the list (and are open to suggestions!).

July 13th
August 10th
September 14th
October 12th
November 9th
December 14th

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Barb Nicolisi genuflects to beautiful liturgical design and supernatural churches in a recent blog entry.

Tired of wondering if you’re in the church cafeteria or the new worship space? Catholics, are you tired of searching for the sanctuary lamp? Do you wonder who (or what) is shining through that stained glass? Have you ever entered a church and thought it was a little too much like a liturgical Rorschach test?

Yes, faithful everywhere you can say it, that phrase which is anathema to (fill in your euphemism for post-Enlightenment unfaithfuls here) liturgical designers and artists everywhere: “THAT is ugly.” Yes, there’s such a thing as good art and bad art, good architecture and bad architecture, a beautiful church and a downright shameful one. Bad liturgical design, in fact, does make God weep.

For good and strikingly witty architectural commentary see the the Holy Whapping Crew. For a head start on what is good architecture, look here or here. I won’t dare link to that-which-makes-Him-weep. I don’t have the internet space or computer capability to hold it. Meanwhile, if you have a picture of a church/ chapel that makes God give a holy high five (high fifteen?), send em’ my way.

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