ON FAITH & MEDIA | Unfinished Life, An

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Unfinished Life, An

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Source: Catholic News Service

Captivating story of embittered Wyoming rancher (Robert Redford in a career peak) -- caregiver to a ranch hand (Morgan Freeman) badly mauled by a bear -- who gives shelter to his son's widow (Jennifer Lopez) and the 11-year-old granddaughter (Becca Gardner) he never knew he had, when the woman flees her abusive boyfriend. Director Lasse Hallstrom's film, though not devoid of cliches, is sensitively acted, ravishingly photographed and vividly conveys an admirable message about forgiveness and letting go of the past. Despite profanity, rough language and irreligious remarks (courtesy of Redford's salty but basically honorable character), some brief episodes of domestic violence and implied premarital sex, the film is uplifting entertainment for adults and mature adolescents. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

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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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