By REY FLORES
When I was given the opportunity to review this terrific new program produced by the StoryTel Foundation for EWTN, I knew right away that I would be writing a favorable piece because of my personal experiences with this wonderful order of holy priests.
According to some of the promotional materials on the program, liner notes tell us: “In a culture flooded with relativism, secularism, and consumerism, Miles Christi — translated ‘Soldier of Christ’ — fights to restore a Christ-centered life one soul at a time.”
This couldn’t be closer to the truth.
I attended a Miles Christi silent Ignatian retreat back in 2010 and it was one of the most spiritually edifying experiences I have ever had. The priests conducting the retreat were like what I like to call “chess pieces.” At least, that’s what priests in the full-length cassocks remind me of, especially if they are solid, strong holy men who absolutely mean business.
Fr. Wainwright, who is featured at length in this program, was a terrific confessor and a solid instructor who didn’t let us slack off during the classes. While we were to remain silent, we were almost expected to maintain eye contact with our teachers during our classes to make sure that we understood everything that they presented to us.
Watching the program helped me to understand a lot more about what made these men such dedicated soldiers of Christ. Yes, they are serious about their vocation and their mission, but they are also a bunch of guys who also like to enjoy the simple pleasures of life like the outdoors, horseback riding, playing guitars, and the occasional soccer match.
This program helps us appreciate both the priests and the men who are still human, but much more dedicated to the faith than someone like me. The Miles Christi priests are truly an inspiration.
I was also much pleased to see appearances by our beloved Raymond Cardinal Burke, who is a great supporter of holy orders of priests like Miles Christi and my all-time favorite, the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest.
I would highly recommend this video for family viewing, especially if you are like me, a father of multiple boys, who has a very strong desire that they will all one day enter into the holy priesthood. While we were viewing the preview DVD in my living room, I was watching my boys watch the program and they were absolutely riveted to the sights, the sounds, and the joyful lighthearted moments that are offered throughout the video.
My other experiences with Miles Christi involved our attending First Friday Nights of Recollection in Lemont, Ill. The priests, who travel a lot, would pull up in their van, ready for Holy Mass, Confessions, inspiring spiritual talks, and some cookies and treats afterward. My children loved attending these nights and the priests were always so good to us all.
StoryTel On Assignment investigates a vibrant new order of priests and brothers from Argentina dedicated to helping lay Catholics grow in holiness.
Filmed on location in Argentina and Michigan, this unprecedented documentary offers the rare chance to go behind the walls of the Miles Christi religious community to discover its courageous calling and joyful, yet determined, spirit. On Assignment uncovers the story of the order’s founding and its important work to preach the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius across the United States.
In-depth interviews with Miles Christi members, a beautiful original music score, and rich cinematography create a powerful immersion experience that will inspire you to fight for holiness in your own life.
Visit www.storytel.org for more information and to order the DVD.
+ + +
(Rey Flores is a Catholic writer and speaker. Contact Rey at reyfloresusa@gmail.com.)
Powered by WPtouch Mobile Suite for WordPress