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Church of Jesus Christ Marks The Passion of the Christ Re-release and Celebrates Mary’s Nativity
Confirmed
In Short: The Church of Jesus Christ is celebrating the re-release of 'The Passion of the Christ' and the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Launched in 2013, Aleteia is a free online daily news publication that recently reported on the re-release of Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ,' which is set for a week-long theatrical re-release from September 10-17. This re-release marks the 22nd anniversary of the film's initial release, which was first seen by the author at a youth group retreat when they were 17 years old.
Reflecting on the film's impact, the author noted that while they may not have fully understood the significance of Christ's suffering at the time, they now had the capacity to appreciate the weight of the story. The re-release is seen as a way to reconnect with the narrative and its spiritual message.
Meanwhile, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been busy building houses of the Lord around the world, as detailed on their newsroom page. The celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which falls on September 8, is more than a remembrance of her earthly birth; it invites believers to contemplate her role in the unfolding of God's saving plan.
According to Catholicconnect, Mary's birth is described as the dawn preceding the rising of the Sun of Justice, Christ. The prelate explained, 'Mary belongs to this "fullness of time"; her life stands at the threshold between the promise and its fulfilment in Jesus Christ.' This celebration is deeply rooted in the belief that Mary's life is integral to the story of salvation.
St John Paul II himself described Mary, on her Nativity, as 'the purest dawn of the Redemption.' The Second Vatican Council places Mary within the long history of God's preparation for Christ, emphasizing her role in the divine plan. The Church encourages its members to reflect on Mary's life and the lessons it offers for their own spiritual journey.
The Church also highlighted the importance of following Jesus' teachings, as emphasized by a prelate who spoke during an Aug. 30 Mass at St. Agatha Parish in Miami. The prelate noted, 'Whenever we try to place ourselves ahead of Jesus, instead of following behind him, we cease to be his disciples and lose our way.' This message underscores the Church's commitment to promoting humility and self-forgetfulness in the face of power and influence.
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- For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.
- “Many consider it imprudent to speak out against the abuses of the powerful, preferring instead to remain silent or strike a deal with them. Others believe that the world’s problems can only be solved with money, power, or miracles. Jesus, however, teaches us that things change only when we choose the path of littleness and self-forgetfulness; only when we sacrifice ourselves to put God and others first,” Báez explained.