The University Core is launching its spring film series, Inside the Core, with a screening of “Selma,” which tells the story of the Selma to Montgomery march led by Martin Luther King, Jr. Reverend Forrest Pritchett will introduce the film and participate in a question-and-answer session following the showing. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4 at 2 p.m. in the Core Center, Mooney 339. Light refreshments will be available.
Other films planned for the semester include “Roses in December” on February 24, which recounts the deaths of four women in El Salvador in 1980; “Cabrini” on March 17, focusing on Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini’s work with immigrants; and “Triumph of the Heart” on April 30, telling the story of St. Maxmillian Kolbe, who died in Auschwitz. Each film will be shown at 2 p.m. in the same location and will feature an expert introduction and a discussion session afterward.
The series aims to highlight individuals or groups who opposed injustice or wrongdoing, often at great personal cost. According to organizers, these films were chosen because they connect closely with themes addressed in University Core classes.
In discussing this theme, organizers referenced stories such as that of Perpetua, an early Christian martyr studied in Core II classes. Perpetua’s refusal to renounce her faith resulted in her death: “Her reply to him, ‘I am a Christian’ – ‘Christiana sum’ – summed up her identity, which precluded participation in something evil (idolatry, in this case). Her ‘no’ to the demand to sacrifice led to her death in the arena with other martyrs.”
Similarly, “Roses in December” covers women who resisted injustices during political violence in El Salvador: “They were martyred… In Cabrini… Her ‘no’ to prejudice and cruelty… led to enormous works of mercy (in the form of orphanages, schools, hospitals…).” The account continues with “Triumph of the Heart,” where “the saint offered himself in exchange [for another prisoner], dying by starvation with other prisoners… All the films explore what it means to take a stand and be willing to sacrifice oneself and even one’s life for it.”
Cardinal Joseph Tobin also spoke recently about standing against injustice at a Faith in Action event on January 26 regarding anti-immigration actions: “He talked about the importance of saying ‘no’ to evils when we see them.” Quoting Ignazio Silone’s novel Bread and Wine via Michael J. O’Loughlin from National Catholic Reporter: “what worries dictators and authoritarian regimes is the person who scrawls on the piazza wall, ‘No.’” Cardinal Tobin added: “I think if we are serious about putting our faith in action, we need to say ‘no,’ each one of us.”
Organizers invite students and community members to attend any or all events within this series.
