Three FORMED Movie Recommendations

I’ve been watching a lot of FORMED lately, between avoiding the heat and not being able to do a lot of my usual summer activities, it has been the perfect recipe for binge watching. Here are three movies I’ve really enjoyed and would recommend.

1.) Don Bosco: The True Story of the Apostle of Youth

This story follows the life and story of Saint Don Bosco. Don Bosco is best known for his work with the youth of Italy’s impoverished areas. He would teach them about faith, help them learn a trade, and feed them. Working with very little income, Don Bosco relied on the generosity of others and his unwavering faith in God. The accents of the actors are very thick, I watched it with closed captions on and would highly recommend it.

This movie is not rated, but was created with an adult audience in mind. It may contain mature language that is indicative of the life and times of the saint or character portrayed. We would recommend Parental Guidance and that parents preview it before watching with children.

2.) God’s Doorkeeper: St. Andre of Montreal

A humble brother of the congregation of the Holy Cross becomes known across all of North America. He goes from someone who wasn’t supposed to survive his childhood illness to healing others and building a piece of art in honor of his beloved patron Saint Joseph. He is the first canadian born male saint.

The film features interviews from Montreal, Rome, and the United States—with people who knew him and others who continue Brother André's work today. It also includes footage of the beatification and canonization ceremonies in Rome and the celebrations in Canada, with footage of the unforgettable events of Brother André's road to sainthood.

3.) John XXIII: The Pope of Peace
A poor boy with dreams of being a simple country priest becomes one of the most beloved popes of the 20th century. Regardless where he was assigned during his priesthood, he would never say no and continued to love humanity. Then when he was elected by his peers as a puppet, John XXIII called the council that would change the direction of the church forever. There is no way you’ll watch this and not love the pope.

This film also underscores his wonderful sense of humor and great charity towards others, especially the poor, downtrodden, and the outcast. Shot in widescreen, with excellent acting and beautiful cinematography, the film also stars Claude Rich, Sydne Rome, Massimo Ghini, and Franco Interlenghi.

God Bless,
Jonathan