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Capra Communion: Family Reflection Video

Capra Communion: Family Reflection Video

Why pray?

How can being Catholic change one’s life? One’s outlook? One’s work?

Some of the most famous directors in Hollywood are Catholic, and I heard the story of Frank Capra being told he had such talent, but was wasting it on cheap postcard-type movies, so he went on to make something he could truly be proud of: It’s a Wonderful Life.

Capra described the sacrament of Communion as a living experience with God, one that he felt and was sure of, so he rooted his work in his faith, to make movies that would inspire and enlighten. Like the centurion from today’s gospel, we are always working to be worthy that the Lord may come and see us. Let us always be striving for our best as we walk humbly in faith. Amen.

About Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C.

Father Wilfred J. Raymond, C.S.C. (Father Willy), a native of Old Town, Maine, is the eighth of 12 children. He joined the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1964 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1971. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Stonehill College in 1967 and a master’s in Theology from the University of Notre Dame in 1971. He served in ministry at Stonehill College (1979-1992), Holy Cross leadership (1994-2000), National Director of Family Theater Productions, Hollywood (2000-2014), and President of Holy Cross Family Ministries (2014-2022). In addition to English, he is conversant in French and Spanish. He remains a diehard fan of the Boston Red Sox, even though he has served as Chaplain for the Los Angeles Dodgers.