ON FAITH & MEDIA | Gangster No. 1

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Gangster No. 1

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Source: Catholic News Service

Sick drama set in late-1960's London about a young thug (Paul Bettany in flashback; Malcolm McDowell as the aging thug) taken under the wing of a big-time gangster (David Thewlis) whom the young man initially admires and emulates, but then greed and desire sweep over him as he tries to climb the gangland hierarchy. Director Paul McGuigan's vicious-yet-stylish film charts the main character's ruthless ambition and betrayal, but the blatant disregard for life and the brutal, egregious manner in which it is carried out are repulsive. Much savage violence, full frontal nudity, brief drug use and constant rough language with some profanity. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

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Felix of Cantalice: Felix was the first Capuchin Franciscan ever canonized. In fact, when he was born, the Capuchins did not yet exist as a distinct group within the Franciscans.
<p>Born of humble, God-fearing parents in the Rieti Valley, Felix worked as a farmhand and a shepherd until he was 28. He developed the habit of praying while he worked. </p><p>In 1543 he joined the Capuchins. When the guardian explained the hardships of that way of life, Felix answered: "Father, the austerity of your Order does not frighten me. I hope, with God’s help, to overcome all the difficulties which will arise from my own weakness." </p><p>Three years later Felix was assigned to the friary in Rome as its official beggar. Because he was a model of simplicity and charity, he edified many people during the 42 years he performed that service for his confreres. </p><p>As he made his rounds, he worked to convert hardened sinners and to feed the poor–as did his good friend, St. Philip Neri, who founded the Oratory, a community of priests serving the poor of Rome. When Felix wasn’t talking on his rounds, he was praying the rosary. The people named him "Brother Deo Gratias" (thanks be to God) because he was always using that blessing. </p><p>When Felix was an old man, his superior had to order him to wear sandals to protect his health. Around the same time a certain cardinal offered to suggest to Felix’s superiors that he be freed of begging so that he could devote more time to prayer. Felix talked the cardinal out of that idea. Felix was canonized in 1712.</p>

I think of all the women religious in the United States who touch countless lives, alleviate the suffering of so many, strive to offer a voice to the voiceless, remember the forgotten, care for those most in need, and focus their lives on the greater good of all God's people, without concern or regard for what they could receive in return.

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