"Bella" producer Jason Jones endorses Rick Santorum

From the Rick Santorum campaign;
Republican presidential candidate, Rick Santorum, has secured the endorsement of Jason Jones, an award winning movie producer and founder of the Human-Rights Education and Relief Organization.
"I am proud to endorse Rick Santorum for president," Jones said. "We need a president who will have the courage and the conviction to stand-up for the unborn. Rick has a solid record of defending the dignity of every human life. Of all the candidates, I know that I can trust Rick to remain true to his belief.
Mr. Jones, an executive producer best known for his work on the critically acclaimed film, "Bella." Additionally, as a leader in the Catholic community and a staunch advocate for prolife issues, Jones' humanitarian work with HERO promotes human dignity in all stages of life through international education and relief programs.
Rick Santorum is one of our nation's foremost pro-life, pro-family proponents, authoring the law that banned the heinous procedure known as Partial Birth Abortion Ban. He also authored the Born Alive Infants Protection Act and the Unborn Victims of Violence Act. Since leaving the Senate, Santorum was highly involved in working with pro-life groups such as the Susan B. Anthony List, Family Research Council, and the Americans United for Life.

I met Jason Jones while selling my book at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on January 22, the night of the Vigil Mass for Life. We chatted and soon discovered our mutual respect for Rick Santorum. Jason was leading a group in support of Rick  in the March for Life and said he had no signs. I had carried a parade banner with me in hopes of using it, but did not have enough people to carry it along with our KIDS signs, so I dropped off the banner at Jason's hotel, across New Jersey Ave from the Hyatt where I was staying. Jason is an engaging and energetic person, on fire for the cause of the dignity of human life. He was campaigning for Rick at every opportunity, and Rick is fortunate to have an ally in Hollywood. I am honored to support the fine work of Jason, in the film "Bella" and to join him in supporting Rick Santorum for president.

Eduardo Verastegui hosts pro-life Latino Conference in LA

The pro-life movie "Bella" has saved 125 babies from abortion, but Eduardo Verastegui is not content to rest on his laurels. He spoke of his organizaion "Manto de Guadalupe" in my interview here, and this conference in Los Angeles will bring him one step closer to his goal of giving poor Latina women in LA real choice; choice to keep their babies rather than abort them.

The funds raised … will be used to open a medical center in Los Angeles that provides free, high-quality care for pregnant women and their preborn babies," stated Eduardo Verástegui in a press release.


Verástegui said the forthcoming Guadalupe Medical Center will be situated in an area that has ten abortion clinics, making the center “an oasis of life in the midst of a desert of death.” The dream of building a pro-life medical center in L.A. has been on the Catholic performer’s mind for several years, after he discovered that at least nine abortion clinics were operating within a one mile stretch of the city.

Wouldn't this be a wonderful country if the power of Hollywood saved lives instead of destroying them?
If stars cared as much for human life as they do for the rainforest?
God bless your work, Eduardo!
Photo: Eduardo with my sixteen year old daughter Gabriela last August.

Read the entire story in Life Site News.

Interview with a Catholic movie star: "Bella" star Eduardo Verastegui

Here is the video link of the August 11, 2009 press interview with Eduardo Verastegui and yours truly.I was impressed by his humble demeanor, he went round the room in the beginning, shaking hands and hearing introductions, and when he sat down, right in front of me, he looked a little nervous. Eduardo has just been to China, Italy and Africa advancing the cause of needy pregnant poor women, raising money for a hospital for the poor in LA, and he is nervous in a provincial college in front of mostly Catholic press. It shows that his focus in not on his impressive accomplishments. When asked if he fears being pigeonholed as a 'Catholic' actor, he looked steadily into the questioner's eyes, and replied, "there is only one thing I am afraid of; not serving God".Courtesy of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate from www.airmaria.com
Photos courtesy of my daughter Gabriela in the photo.

Sr Gabriela is on Catholic TV tomorrow at 10:30 AM

Sr Gabriela is the dynamic Mexican nun who has gotten Eduardo Verastegui to come and speak to youth in Connecticut.
She will discuss this event on CatholicTV on Tuesday July 21 at 10:30 AM.

On August 11 at 7PM, Bella star Eduardo Verastegui will speak in both English and Spanish at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willamantic, CT.
Admission is free and all are welcome.

How Planned Parenthood celebrated Mother's Day

My co-blogger at Catholic Media Review and A Catholic View Christine Schult just had her post on Planned Parenthood's sick idea of how to celebrate Mother's Day picked up at World Net Daily. Congratulations, Christine!
Here's a sample of the pro-life response;
At Silent No More Awareness Campaign, a campaign of Priests for Life and Anglicans for Life, spokeswoman Janet Morana said the solitications are "beyond appalling."
"This is an organization that has turned Mother's Day into a painful reminder of terminated children for millions and millions of women. To ask for money on this day so that it can traumatize even more women is the ultimate in insensitivity," she said.

I hope you moms out there did something worthy of motherhood. I hope you went to church, enjoyed seeing your family, and saw a good movie on motherhood, like "Bella" now out on DVD.

Seeing "Bella" today helped remind me that motherhood, even in difficult circumstances is still a noble profession and a gift from God.

Stand True is taking the movie "Bella" to Ireland

Stand True is working with Youth Defense to bring the movie "Bella" to Ireland. Bryan Kemper will be speaking at the International Student Pro-life Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland at the end of March and then heading over to Ireland to screen Bella.
Bryan will be traveling with members of Youth Defense to several Universities in Ireland to screen "Bella" in advance of the movie's release in Ireland. Stand True worked closely with "Bella" all summer and throughout the fall to help make "Bella" such a huge success in the United States. We are excited to help bring "Bella" to Ireland and Scotland now.
We know that a lot of movies that are promoted as "Christian movies" are cheesy and really not very artistic. "Bella" breaks those stereotypes and is honestly one of the best movies you will ever see. It is not your typical "Christian movie". It is an amazing and powerful film. God has used "Bella" to save lives, as we have heard from many women who have changed their minds and kept their babies after seeing the movie.
If you have not had a chance to see Bella, it will be out on DVD in the States this spring.

"Bella" producer discusses film's Canadian and Puerto Rican release

We're starting Canada the first week of March. The distributor is Maximum Films. We'll definitely be in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. We're still developing the rest of the Canadian distribution plan.

From there we are going international - Australia, South Africa, Israel, on Virgin America Airlines. All the Latin American flights will be showing Bella.We sold Benelux (film distributor) in Europe - in Spain and Italy.

We're starting Australia Feb. 21st. It's going to be the litmus test for the English speaking rest of the world. And then April 25 is a big day because that's Mexico and once we open Mexico then we're going to the rest of Latin America.

HT LifeSite News

So, my readers outside the USA, you FINALLY have an opportunity to see the film I've been talking about all year. Don't miss it!

"Bella" saves seven babies from abortion!

The following is an email from the Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena
We have received wonderful messages from many devotees throughout the United States who saw "Bella", and all have been inspired to help promote "Bella" in their communities. Thank you also for responding to our important call to pray our beloved St. Philomena Novena for the success of the movie.

I'm writing today to share some amazing news about the impact the movie has had in just a short time and to let you know that it will premier in Canada this weekend and will continue to be introduced internationally.

I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Bella Producer Leo Severino today.(seen in this photo praying at the incorrupt body of Saint Philomena with his finacee, now wife) He conveyed that in the past ten days, miraculously, seven mothers who were contemplating or scheduled an abortion chose life for their unborn child after seeing the movie. Leo shared, "One young mother who met the movie's leading actor Eduarado Verastegui was so moved by his performance and the film's message that she told Eduarado she was committed to keeping her child. And six others contacted us to tell us they had scheduled an abortion and chose to cancel their appointments and keep their child, after seeing our movie."As you can see, by the grace of God, this film is helping us accomplish His work to protect and support unborn children through prayer and action to finally end abortion.

I want to also take this time to strongly encourage each of you to join the Archconfraternity of Santa Philomena in praying the following Novena to Our Blessed Mother to end abortion. We need your help to win this critical battle over the evil in our society and save the lives of millions of children throughout the world who otherwise would never have the chance to live and prosper as children of God.

How to say the Novena for an end to abortion: -

Complete each day's meditation and prayer -

Say Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be -

Recite the Memorarae:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I kneel, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy clemency hear and answer them.

Amen

Day 1: For Children Sacrificed

Meditation: The greatest challenge a child faces today is surviving the first nine months of life. One in three children don't live until their "birth" day. In abortion, they die never knowing a mother's smile or her tender touch. Their cries, never heard on earth, resound throughout all of Heaven.

Prayer: O Mary, our sweet and loving Mother, you hear the cries of your children sacrificed in abortion. Accept our prayers for aborted children as a soothing balm for their wounds. Comfort them and comfort us who mourn their loss. (Recite Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be and Memorarae above.)

Day 2: For Childless Mothers

Meditation: Abortion takes more from a mother than the life of her child. More than the smiles, the first words, the first steps, the love, and the hugs are lost. Abortion is unnatural. The emptiness a mother feels after an abortion is also the loss of her 'humanness'. It is a loss which leaves mothers with a profound sense of loneliness and abandonment.

Prayer: O Mary, Mother of the Word Incarnate, through the power of the Holy Spirit, humanity and divinity were united in your womb. Accept our prayers for childless mothers and intercede with your Son to restore these mothers in His grace. In their loneliness, reveal yourself to them as their loving Heavenly Mother. (Recite Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be and Memorarae above.)

Day 3: For Our Children

Meditation: A battle is raging over the souls of our children. Being chaste and pure is presented to our children as only one of many equally viable options for living; an option often ridiculed by the media. Organizations actively obstruct parents' efforts to be involved in essential decisions in the lives of their children. Whether for cigarettes, birth control devices or abortions, our children are seen as 'market opportunities'.

Prayer: O Mary, Mother of the Son of God, you know well the love your Son had for little children. Accept our prayers and unite them with your own and use these prayers to crush the head of the serpent who is waiting to devour our children and separate them from your Son. (Recite Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be and Memorarae above.)

Day 4: For Girls and Women Meditation: Genesis declares that men and women were both created in God's image. To celebrate what is feminine and the unique role of girls and women in giving and sustaining life brings honor to both God and womankind. Abortion denies this reflection of God in girls and women. So does immodesty,and other activities which exploit girls and women.

Prayer: O Mary, Mother most pure, accept our prayers for girls and women. Help girls and women to see God's image more clearly in their femininity. Ask your Son for special graces for girls and women so that they may remain modest in dress and action. (Recite Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be and Memorarae above.)

Day 5: For Boys and Men

Meditation: Boys and men, too, were made in God's image and thus what is truly masculine is also a reflection of a wonderful God. However, there are boys and men who have a false masculinity which exalts lust and conquest, unfaithfulness and callousness, irresponsibility and deceit. The magnitude of the abortion tragedy is a direct result. No greater gains can be made in ending abortion than embracing true masculinity.

Prayer: O Mary, most chaste wife of St. Joseph, accept our prayers for boys and men. Help them to see in St. Joseph a model of true masculinity. Ask your Son for the grace to help boys and men lead pure and holy lives and to avoid temptations of the flesh. (Recite Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be and Memorarae above.)

Day 6: For Families

Meditation: In God's loving plan of salvation, families were entrusted with the special responsibility of bringing new life into the world. God's gift of human sexuality as well as a husband's and wife's love for each other become an invitation to be co-creators, with God, in new life. The use of artificial contraception is a rude rejection of this invitation. Using God's gift of human sexuality outside of marriage is a rejection of His plan of salvation. Both lead, inevitably, to the rejection of new life itself in abortion.

Prayer: O Mary, Queen of Families, it was through your intercession at the wedding feast at Cana that your Son's public ministry began. Accept our prayers for families. Intercede for us with your Son and ask for the graces we need to use our human sexuality only in ways which

bring honor and glory to God. (Recite Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be and Memorarae above.)

Day 7: For the Church

Meditation: With the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, the Catholic Church began. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, for nearly two thousand years, in season and out, the Church has steadfastly proclaimed the Good News of the Gospel of Life. In every age, the Church has raised up voices of priests, bishops, and popes in defense of life and in opposition to abortion. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: O Mary, Mother of the Church, you were there with the Apostles, when the Church was born. Accept our prayers for the Church. Fill the clergy and the faithful with a burning love for life, especially the unborn, and a craving to support the unborn through prayer and action. (Recite Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be and Memorarae above.)

Day 8: For Abortion Providers

Meditation: Doctors, nurses, counselors, and others who work in the abortion industry are our brothers and sisters. So are pro-abortion politicians and others who work to keep abortion available. We are called to see the image of God in all of them. We are also called to love them. Most importantly, we are called to pray for them. We are called especially to pray for those filled with rage, those who are in most need of God's healing grace.

Prayer: O Mary, Mother of Mercy, accept the prayers we offer for those who provide or support abortions. Through your powerful intercession, touch abortion providers and supporters with the amazing grace which has the power to save and transform lives. Help them to see the truth of their actions, and having seen the horror of their deeds, help them to come to your Son for forgiveness and mercy. (Recite Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be and Memorarae above.)

Day 9: For the End to Abortion

Meditation: As believers in the Risen Lord, we know already that the victory is ours. The sacrifice of children in abortion will end. The final victory won't be a legislative or legal victory; it will be a conversion of heart for those who seek, perform, and support abortion. In our times, it has pleased God that many conversions of heart have come through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother. That is why we confidently implore Mary, Our Blessed Mother, to grant our request. End abortion.

Prayer: Mary, Our Blessed Mother, hear our plea. Touch the hearts of those who seek, perform or support abortion. With your gentle hand, lead them to your Son. (Recite Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be and Memorarae above.)

With original Ecclesiastical Approval of:

Most Reverend John J. Myers, Bishop of Peoria,

April 22, 1997

To the Glory of God always,

Marie Burns Director General of the Universal Archconfraternity of St. Philomena
Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena83027 Mugnano del CardinaleAvellino, http://www.philomena.it/e-mail:SantaFilomena@philomena.us
In the United States, contact Richard Donley Fox,

Assistant Director General of the Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena at:richard@philomena.com(602) 253-5020

Youth can get free tickets to see "Bella"

A generous donor has given Bella's producers a large sum to make it possible for 10,000 Catholic youth to see this movie at no cost nationwide.

The tickets are free, but must be reserved through Bella in blocks of 100 or more. To do so:
* Check to see if and when Bella is coming to your town: bellathemovie.com/theater
* Click on your city in the left column for a listing of local theaters showing Bella.
* To identify the best local show time for your group, click on:
FOR SHOWTIMES AND TO PURCHASE INDIVIDUAL TICKETS FOR THIS THEATER CLICK HERE.
* Tip: get tickets for a Sunday p.m. show to give out at masses over the weekend.
* To reserve your free block of tickets
o call Joanna Styczenski at (228) 596-7912
o or e-mail Liz Saroki at liz@bellathemovie.com
* Bella staff will then provide a "toolkit" to assist you in this short-term promotion.

The free tickets can then be distributed however is easiest:
* in advance or on a first-come-first-served basis at the theater
* give them out at youth group meetings today & Saturday
* request permission to make announcements from the pulpit (Bella can provide a sample announcement)
* pass them out after weekend masses


You could even make it a fundraiser with no overhead!
* Reserve 200+ tickets to secure the theater for a private showing.
* Distribute tickets as above.
* Welcome moviegoers before the film.
* Take 5 minutes at the end to connect the message of the film with the needs of real women in your community.
* Conclude with an "ask" for donations to your local pregnancy help center, non-profit adoption service, maternity home, or outreach to at-risk youth.
* Place 2-3 volunteers at the exits to collect donations.

Eduardo Verastegui interviewed by Neil Cavuto

Neil was very impressed with the buzz Bella is creating. He mentions the word "Oscar" several times. Watch the inteview here.

"Bella" wins Heartland Film Festival Award

To add to an amazing opening weekend, "Bella" won the Heartland Film Festival. Soon, the only award "Bella" will be missing is an Oscar. . .

To help keep "Bella" at number two

Here are dozens of free downloadable resources, postcards, desktops, web page buttons, trailers, etc. to help you share how much "Bella" has touched your life.

Bragging Rights

My review of Bella on Mercatornet, thanks to Scott Nehring of Nehring the Edge Movie Reviews, has been picked up by Reuters, USA TODAY, KPHO in Phoenix, KSAT in San Antonio, and WTAE-TV4 Pittsburgh. Now, if there are any wholesome movies out there, that are looking for an advance review, you know where to come!

"Bella" is number one!

According to this article in World Net Daily. It managed to by-pass the snarky critics and move audiences in record numbers. Note the rating of 96% 'fresh' the fans on Rotten Tomatoes gave "Bella" versus the 42% 'rotten' it got from the critics.
I think some of the fans should apply for positions as critics, they certainly are more in touch with the taste of the people.
Thank you, St. Philomena!

A Rousing Endorsement of "Bella" from the Choir

is up at Catholic Exchange today. If you haven't seen it, get motivated to GO SEE IT!

Bella was number 17 at Box Office this weekend

It was right behind "Elizabeth: the Golden Age" and ahead of the film on Jesse James, and Halloween, thankfully. Not bad, considering it was only opened in 165 theatres. "Bella" will be opening in many more theateres this weekend, check the website. My little daughters loved it and weren't upset by the car accident. I enjoyed seeing it for the first time since January.

Steve Greydanus interviews the producers of "Bella"

Goys supports "Bella"

Goya the Latino food company has sponsored "Bella".
According to Goya Foods President Robert Unanue, “Goya has chosen to take on an active role in the promotion of this film owing to its emphasis on the strength of family and tradition. Of equal importance to us was the fact that “Bella” portrays Latinos in such a positive light and of course, that food plays an integral role in the story”.
“There are few opportunities that we get as a Latin American food company to embrace such an uplifting message about Hispanics in the film medium. Bella is that rare chance to team up with a project that affirms the values and sentiment that go into the Goya Foods credo and are integral to our success. We are proud sponsors of this heartfelt and moving endeavor.”

DId you go to see Bella this weekend?

I hope you have, if not, there's still time! Here's my review on Mercatornet to motivate you.

I had the privelege of hearing Fr. Richard John Neuhaus speak on the Catholic Intellectual in Today's Society (I took notes, I'll be posting on his talk) as the closing talk of the Society of Catholic Social Scientists, the conference where I spoke about blogging's impact on society, and the power of Catholic radio.

I couldn't leave before I heard Fr. Neuhaus' talk, so immediately afterwards, I sped away to the theatre where my homeschooling friends had gone to see "Bella". I'll see it myself today.

The ladies came out with shining eyes. The men said the film ended too soon. The kids were awestruck by the powerful pro-life message, the fragility of life. And one of my friends recognized the neighborhood where the scenes' at Jose's parent's home was filmed, Belle Harbor, Queens, NY. Her niece was on the beach when the final scene was filmed, and watched "Bella" being made. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and a well-dressed Hispanic woman approached us, hearing our comments, saying, "you went in to see 'Bella'? I saw an interview on Spanish TV with Eduardo Verastegui and am here to see the film". She went on to relate that EWTN is doing a film on the New Testament with Jim Caviezel.

It seems that Catholics have embraced the medium of film

Bella Opens this weekend

bella
Award-Winning Film BELLA Opens This Friday
click here for show times in your area
True love goes beyond romance

"Powerful and moving, a true inspiration."
CNN
Ana Maria Montero


Here is a list of the movie theatres and show times in Long Island.
BALDWIN:
Clearview Grand Ave Cinemas - 1841 Grand Ave - Baldwin:Show times Oct. 26th - 28th: 1:15, 3:30, 5:45, 8:00, 10:15
FARMINGDALE:
UA Farmingdale Stadium 10 - 20 Michael Avenue - Farmingdale:Show times Oct. 26th - 28th: 1:00, 3:20, 5:40, 8:00, 10:20
WESTBURY:
AMC Loews Raceway 10 - 1025 Corporate Drive - WestburyShowtimes Oct. 26th - 28th: 2:05, 4:30, 6:55, 9:15
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE