Fairport parish taking message of Jesus and Mary to the big screen

October 29, 2013
Church of the Assumption in Fairport, in a unique outreach, has rented two full-sized theaters at Regal Cinema at Eastview November 21 to show the new, epic film “Mary of Nazareth.” The two showings, at 2 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., have been made possible through the generous gift of a parishioner.
“This is an opportunity for us to get outside our walls and into the “marketplace,'” said Father Ed Palumbos, pastor of Assumption. “We want to provide this event to inspire people and also help prepare them for the Advent/Christmas season that begins Dec. 1. Some might ask, “What is a Catholic Church doing in a movie theater? We think it is important to use every communication tool we can to spread the Good News, inspire and bring comfort to people.”
Palumbos and his staff and volunteers have become well-known in their still-unique use of technology to minister to people. The church was among the first to broadcast Masses, weddings, funerals and other worship events on the Internet, makes use of social media and text messaging to communicate, and uses large screen TVs inside the church campus buildings. Recently, the  parish began placing QR codes on area diner placemats as a means of inviting people to take part in worship.
Tickets to the film are $5 and can be purchased at Church of the Assumption, 20 East Ave., Fairport, or by calling 585-388-0040
Because of the film’s realism,  it is not recommended for youth below middle-school age.
All proceeds will benefit the parish’s Mercy Fund to help families in need.
Movie Trailer: http://www.maryfilm.com/ 
ABOUT THE FILM 
MARY OF NAZARETH is an epic new motion picture on the life of Mary, mother of Christ, from her childhood through the Resurrection of Jesus.
This full-length feature film about the life of Our Lady, shot in English in High Definition, was filmed in Europe in very authentic locales with outstanding cinematography, a strong cast, and a majestic music score . Actress Alissa Jung gives a beautiful, compelling and inspired portrayal of Mary.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI had the opportunity to screen this film in the Apostolic Palace, and was touched by the portrayal of Mary so movingly revealed on film.
The film vividly captures the essence of Mary’s profound faith and trust in God amidst the great mysteries that she lived with as the Mother of the Messiah, her compassionate humanity and concern for others, and the deep love that she and Jesus shared for one another. This movie underscores her special role in God’s plan for our redemption, her unique relationship with Christ, and the tremendous suffering that she endured in union with his passion and death, as well as her serene joy at his Resurrection.
Directed by acclaimed European film director Giacomo Campiotti (BAKHITA, DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, ST. GIUSEPPE MOSCATI) and written by Francesco Arlanch (RESTLESS HEART, PIUS XII, POPE JOHN PAUL II), in addition to the luminous performance by Jung, the film provides inspiring portrayals of all the main roles, including Andreas Pietschmann as Jesus, Luca Marinelli as Joseph, Paz Vega as Mary Magdalene and Antonia Liskova as Herodias. The original music score was written  by Guy Farley.
Originally a 200-minute film, it has been edited down to 153 minutes for the theatrical release.