As you know the CC has bi-monthly Compassionate Book and Film nights. Our next one is June 14 at which we will feature Jasmin Singer, author and co-host of Our Hen House Podcast. We are thinking about have a Film Night sometime around October 4 (Feast of St. Francis of Assisi) featuring the film Brother Sun Sister Moon. This is a feature film about the life of St. Francis. Victoria and I have previously viewed it and found it to both interesting and enjoyable. Although I personally have difficulty separating the factual St. Francis from the mythical St. Francis, he undeniably was an interesting historical person. We don't actually view the film at the Film Night, but instead tell people where it available to view, and then discuss it at the Film Night. This film is widely available to view. You can see the trailer at the link below. We would be discussing not only the film, but also the life and influence of St. Francis, his impact on our feelings and treatment of animals, and the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (and how it is celebrated).
https://www.vudu.com/content/movies/play/38506/TRAILER?returnUrl=%252Fcontent%252Fmovies%252Fdetails%252FBrother-Sun-Sister-Moon%252F38506
This is not a commitment to attend the Film Night, just curious if you think it would be interesting for our congregation. You could respond with a comment, or a simple "like", if you agree.
In the meantime, Elaine Hutchison, one of our members, shared the following poem, not written by St. Francis, but about him. It is written "in his voice" from the book, Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West, by Daniel Ladinsky.
When I Returned from Rome
A
bird took flight.
And a flower in a field whistled at me
as I passed.
I drank
from a stream of clear water.
And at night the sky untied her hair and I fell asleep
clutching a tress
of God’s.
When I returned from Rome, all said
“Tell us the great news,”
and with great excitement, I did: “A flower in a field whistled,
and at night the sky untied her hair and
I fell asleep clutching a
sacred tress …”
Rev. William
I would enjoy that quite a lot. I have the utmost respect for St. Francis. I have several books about him. We used to have an animal ministry at the Episcopal Church I attended and it was named The St. Francis Guild. I loved being part of it.
i actually wrote down the name of the movie when it was mentioned on Sunday. I’ve always liked what St. Francis stood for (at least what I knew about him) and would really love an opportunity to discuss the movie.
Beautiful poem and I relate to it all too well. Often when I’m in nature I feel an unspoken dialogue between us and it nourishes me deeply. I’d be very interested in a film night discussion! Thank you 🙏
Thank you Rev. William I'm interested in this Film Night & learning more about Saint Francis. Thank you Elaine for sharing this lovely poem.
I would love a St. Francis night. 😀 To me, he's endlessly fascinating and also a constant source of inspiration in how he lived his truth.