In October, Pope Francis invites us to pray for a shared mission within the Church:  

“Let us pray that the Church will continue to support by every means a synodal way of life, under the sign of co-responsibility, promoting participation, communion, and shared mission among priests, religious, and laity.”

In the spirit of this intention, and reflecting on Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, here are several recommended films for discussion and analysis within our communities.

The Keys to the Kingdom by John M. Stahl (USA, 1944, 137 min.)  

This classic religious film, starring Gregory Peck, portrays the life of a humble Catholic priest dedicated to his mission with openness, humor, and a generous heart. The movie embodies themes of mercy, solidarity, fraternity, and creative charity. Reflect on these words from Evangelii Gaudium:  “The Church’s intimacy with Jesus is an itinerant intimacy, and communion essentially takes the form of missionary communion… It is vital that the Church go out to proclaim the Gospel to all, in every place, on every occasion, without delay, disgust, or fear.”(Evangelii Gaudium, 23).  

Let us pray with Pope Francis that the Church may continue to foster a synodal lifestyle, ensuring the joy of the Gospel reaches everyone, with no one excluded.

Bugs, A Miniature Adventure by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton (USA, 1998, 95 min.)  

This animated film about mission and salvation focuses on Flik, an ant who questions his community’s subjugation and embarks on a quest to save them. The story highlights the importance of finding one’s mission and discovering how we are called to serve others. Consider these words from *Evangelii Gaudium: “A missionary heart knows the limits of language and context but strives to communicate the Gospel truth without renouncing the good it can bring, even amid imperfection… A missionary heart is weak with the weak, all things to all men.” (Evangelii Gaudium, 45).  

Let us pray that the Church may continue to promote participation, communion, and shared mission.

Schindler’s List by Steven Spielberg (USA, 1993, 195 min.)  

This powerful film tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, who saved over a thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust. It is a profound reminder that, as the Talmud teaches, “Whoever saves one life, saves the whole world.” Reflect on Pope Francis’ words:  

“No one saves themselves alone… God draws us into a complex web of interpersonal relationships. St. Paul reminds us: ‘There is neither Jew nor Greek… you are all one in Christ Jesus.’ To those who feel distant, the Lord calls you with great love and respect to be part of his people.”(Evangelii Gaudium, 113).  

Let us pray that the Church may seek salvation and communion for all, embracing co-responsibility for the mission.

The Greatest Showman by Michael Gracey (USA, 2017, 105 min.)  

This vibrant musical tells the story of P.T. Barnum, whose circus brought people out of the shadows and into the light of inclusion and celebration. The film is a joyful testament to the power of diversity, love, and acceptance. Reflect on Pope Francis’ exhortation:  

“It is indispensable to be close to new forms of poverty and fragility, where we are called to recognize the suffering Christ… the homeless, refugees, the elderly, and the marginalized.(*Evangelii Gaudium*, 210).  

Let us pray that the Church continues to embrace a synodal way of life, attending to the most vulnerable in our society.

Let us journey together in prayer, fostering a spirit of shared mission and co-responsibility for the Church’s ongoing work in the world.

Sergio Guzmán, S.J.

PWPN-Mexico