Catholic Review of: Francis

This is another quality video for children from CCC.  We have watched a few of the other videos (A Guardian Angel Story and Nicholas), and so far Francis is our favorite.  Really, who doesn't love St. Francis? 

 

This movie starts by showing Francis deciding to go fight in the Crusade, but he becomes ill and cannot fight.  Once home he goes to work for his father, and later hears God's call to rebuild his Church.  Interestingly, this movie shows the struggling relationship between Francis and his father, who would prefer his son to be a merchant like himself.  He cannot understand his son's strange devotion to God.  When Francis takes his father's material to sell it to rebuild the church at San Damiano, his father is very upset, and so Francis finds another way to get the needed stones.  The video follows Francis as he starts his new Order, and is initially denied the Pope's permission.  After a dream that Francis saves the Church, however, the Pope gives Francis his blessing.

 

My three year old son enjoys this movie very much, and talks about how the animals help Francis build the church.  I love that it includes the prayer of St. Francis, "Lord make me an instrument of your peace..."  And like most CCC movies, it is a short 30 minutes.  Just perfect for an after nap video.  I would recommend this movie really for all ages of children (or adults).  It is not as in depth as maybe older children would enjoy, but could serve as a good introduction to St. Francis. 

 

I am very thankful for CCC, who provides such good alternatives to the other "stuff" that is available.

 

You can purchase this DVD here.