Knights Movie Night
The Knights of Columbus "Movie Night" program presents a free screening of The Mission on Saturday, June 6 from 6:30 to 9:00pm in the Parish Hall.
This historical drama tells the story of the Jesuit order protecting indigenous rights against colonial exploitation while also portraying the Church as a fallible human institution.
In the 1750s, the large and prosperous Jesuit Indian missions were divided between Spain and Portugal. The Jesuits are shown building and living in community with the Guarani people, emphasizing education and sacramental life over mere conquest. When political pressure seeks to regain control of the land and people, the future of the mission is threatened.
The story, powerfully explores sin, redemption, grace, and the tension between violent resistance and non-violent love. Rodrigo Mendoza is a profound illustration of repentance. His journey from mercenary slave trader to a Jesuit penitent, who dramatically sheds his burden of guilt, serves as a central theme of grace. As the political powers demand the surrender of the Mission, Rodrigo and Father Gabriel’s vows of obedience are put to the test resulting in Father Gabriel’s non-violent devotion (walking with the Eucharist) while Mendoza returns to armed struggle and the sword. This film captures the tension between the passionate, sacrificial missionary work of the Jesuits and the political maneuvers of the ecclesiastical hierarchy, which reluctantly aligns with the colonial powers.
Watch the trailer HERE.
America magazine article on the Jesuit missionaries who inspired ‘The Mission’ can be read HERE.
Please join us for a free screening on June 6 from 6:30 to 9:00pm in the Parish Hall. Admission is free though a suggested donation is requested.