Cabrini (2024) runtime: 145 minutes.
Director: Alejandro Gómez Monteverde
Cast: Cristiana Dell’Anna, David Morse Romana Maggiora Vergano Federico Ielapi Virginia Bocelli Rolando Villazón Giancarlo Giannini John Lithgow
This biopic celebrates the incredible life of Saint Frances Cabrini, the first Catholic saint of the USA. Born Maria Francesca Cabrini in 1850 in Lombardy, she was the youngest of thirteen children in a peasant family. Despite facing discouragement due to poor health, Francesca pursued her dream of missionary work. She founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and met Pope Leo XIII, expressing her desire to serve in China. Instead, she was directed to New York to aid Italian immigrants living in dire poverty. Despite her own health struggles, she established hospitals and over 67 institutions to serve the needy, becoming a beacon of hope. She passed away in 1917 and was canonized in 1946. The film vividly portrays the harsh realities faced by Italian immigrants in late 19th-century New York City and the discrimination they endured. We meet Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, battling lung disease but unwavering in her determination to establish a missionary community. Despite societal norms barring women from such missions, Frances holds onto her childhood dream of serving in China. Rebuffed by a Cardinal in Rome, she appeals directly to the Pope, expressing her desire to aid the poor in China. Recognizing her fervor, the Pope grants her an exception, redirecting her to New York. Struggling to find housing, Frances finds herself sheltered in a brothel, facing harassment. Despite the Archbishop’s discouragement, she secures his support with a recommendation from the Pope. Immersed in a hospital establishment, her health deteriorates, yet she perseveres. Confronting the city’s sleazy underworld and bureaucratic indifference, Frances triumphs. She lived to 67, witnessing America’s recognition of her work. Her mission later expanded to the Far East, leaving an enduring legacy of compassion.
The Story of Ruth (1960): Runtime: 132 minutes
Director: Henry Koster
Cast: Elana Eden, Stuart Whitman, Tom Tryon, Peggy Wood, Viveca Lindfors, Jeff Morrow
A modern retelling of the Book of Ruth, this poignant tale delves into themes of love and family bonds. Ruth and her sister Orpha, married to brothers Mahlon and Chilion, find themselves in Moab as Judean immigrants during the time of the Judges. Ruth, initially destined for sacrifice as a priestess of the Moabite deity Chemos, is spared due to a blemish. Despite her role, she forms a bond with a sacrificial pupil named Tebah. Mahlon, an artisan, is tasked with adorning Tebah’s ritual crown, leading to debates that challenge Ruth’s faith. Horrified by the practice of child sacrifice, Ruth flees but faces punishment. Meanwhile, Naomi’s family suffers imprisonment and enslavement. Ruth helps Mahlon escape, and they marry before his death. When Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, Ruth vows to stay by her side. In Bethlehem, Boaz, a kinsman, offers assistance, setting the stage for a tale of redemption and enduring loyalty. Moab and Israel were traditional enemies. Ruth is wary of Boaz’s support because she is from Moab. Boaz sends provisions to the two widows through Tob, one of his kinsmen. However, Tob develops feelings for Ruth, causing tension. Boaz extends his hospitality to the women, impressing Ruth with his nobility. As their relationship deepens, Tob becomes Boaz’s rival, claiming Ruth as his right according to custom. Ruth faces further challenge when two Moabite men arrive to trap her, accusing her of idol worship. Boaz, secretly judging the case, witnesses Ruth’s admission of her past idolatry and exposes the men’s ignorance of Israel and its laws. With Naomi’s help, Ruth persuades Tob to renounce his claim, and Boaz marries her, setting the stage for her eventual role as the great-grandmother of King David.
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