A decade ago, then-Father Robert Barron started filming his acclaimed "Catholicism" series, which premiered in the fall of 2011 on PBS, and has since gone on to become one of the most beloved and acclaimed presentations about the Faith.
Available on DVD and online, "Catholicism" not only became a mainstream media phenomenon but a catechetical one as well, with many Catholic educators using the show to teach both children and adults.
Emphasizing the scope, history, beauty and faces of the Church past and present, "Catholicism" set a gold standard for portraying the Catholic Church in the mainstream media. Beautifully shot all around the world and carefully researched, it's leagues beyond many sensational popular documentaries and movies that often trivialize, sensationalize or outright misrepresent the Church, her teachings and her history.
From the original press release for the PBS debut:
"The filming of the Catholicism series was one of the most exciting and rewarding periods of my life,” said Fr. Barron. "Our team traveled the globe to capture some of the beauty, truth, and texture of Catholicism. I am thrilled that people across the country will have the opportunity to share in the series, and I hope to engage the imaginations of both Catholics and non-Catholics.“
“This series changed the way I think and act. The global settings were stunning, but it was Fr. Barron s brilliant insights on life s most challenging issues that shook me to the core,’ admitted [executive producer and filmmaker] Mike Leonard. “Whatever your belief or background, there is much to gain from this deep and profound excursion into spirituality, logic and the human experience,” he added.
In this sweeping documentary, Father Barron tells the story of Catholicism around the world using art, architecture, literature, music and all the riches of the Catholic tradition. The production crew travels to some of the most magnificent and sacred sites in Jerusalem, Rome, Krakow, Warsaw, New York, Istanbul, Ephesus, Lourdes, Mexico City, Athens, Corinth, Mexico City, Uganda, Manila, Sao Paolo, Auschwitz, Kolkata, Philadelphia, Chicago, and beyond.
The team was granted exclusive access to film privately in many locations inaccessible to the general public. Highlights include some of the world s architectural and artistic masterpieces and most sacred places: The Dome of The Rock, the Hagia Sophia, the tomb of Mother Teresa, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, rare views of the Pantheon, St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Pope's private gardens, Chartres, Notre Dame, and Cologne Cathedrals, as well as one of the largest religious celebrations on the planet, the feast of the Ugandan martyrs.
To mark the occasion, now-Bishop Barron and executive producer Steve Grunow of Barron's Word on Fire apostolate have released this video:
https://youtu.be/kyqPd-94uzQ
Word on Fire has also made the whole 10-part series free for viewing online for a limited time.
Click here to learn more.
Images: Courtesy Word on Fire
Family Theater Productions’ upcoming, new and vintage productions as well as our Hollywood Outreach Programs; and, of course, you’ll find us on Facebook. Visit our YouTube and Ustream Channels for our contemporary and classic productions.
