Movie of the Week

The Feast of St. Ignatius seems to make it the right time to recommend The Mission as this week’s movie. Made in 1986, the film tells the story of the Jesuits working with the Native peoples of South America in the 1700’s. For me the best part of this movie is Jeremy Irons’ portrayal of Father Gabriel, a Jesuit missionary who stays with the people of the mission to the very end. He was actually coached through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius (the touchstone of Jesuit spirirutality) by Father Dan Berrigan, who has a bit role in the movie. (Look out for a young Liam Neeson as a Jesuit!)