Films

The life of Father Patrick Peyton, an Irish-American priest who traveled the world hosting hundreds of Rosary rallies and encouraging families to pray together, is the subject of a new film now available for online purchase.

In modern-day Portugal, author and noted skeptic Professor Nichols (Harvey Keitel) visits a convent in the riverside city of Coimbra, where Sister Lúcia (Sônia Braga), an elderly nun, recounts the story of her role in an historic event that took place in 1917. The conversations between pragmatic academic and the spiritual ascetic illuminate a decades-old mystery and set the stage for an inspiring story that has fascinated millions for more than a century.

The Diocese of Harrisburg will host a free virtual screening of “Across” on Friday, July 31 at 6:30 p.m. via the Zoom platform. The 30-minute movie will introduce viewers to pivotal decisions in Tolton’s childhood, as he attempts to escape slavery in 1863. A historical presentation about him will follow the screening.

The Diocese of Harrisburg will host a free virtual screening of the short film “Across” later this month, and the event promises to offer a glimpse into the remarkable life of Venerable Augustine Tolton, the first African-American priest in the United States. The 30-minute movie will introduce viewers to pivotal decisions in Tolton’s childhood, as he attempts to escape slavery in 1863. A historical presentation about Father Tolton will follow the screening of the stirring film. Discussion will be led by writer/director Christopher Foley, Bishop Ronald Gainer, and Bishop Joseph Perry, postulator of the cause for the canonization of the priest, who was declared Venerable last year.