A new documentary from American Bishop Robert Barron promises to take viewers on a journey through the gothic cathedrals of France. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
The film opens with the 2019 fire that engulfed Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
“This film was designed to answer a basic question, namely, why was the entire world so galvanised by the Notre Dame fire? What was it about the possible loss of that building that sparked a universal anxiety?” Bishop Barron, founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, a global media apostolate, said about his documentary, Heaven in Stone and Glass.
“My instinct,” he added, “was that people sensed the spiritual power of Notre Dame, and the documentary was designed to test that instinct.”
Produced by Word on Fire in collaboration with Spirit Juice Studios, the documentary focuses on five of France’s most iconic gothic cathedrals: Chartres, Notre Dame, Reims, Amiens and Saint-Denis.
Bishop Barron, together with Fr Steve Grunow, the chief executive of Word on Fire, and Branden Stanley, the chief creative officer at Spirit Juice Studios, spoke about the 90-minute film and their involvement in it ahead of its debut in US theatres this month.
The film – Word on Fire’s first theatrical release – comes days before Pope Leo XIV’s visit to France. Fr Grunow, an executive producer for the film, told OSV News that he considered the timing providential.
In the documentary, Bishop Barron walks with audiences through the gothic cathedrals of France with a sense of wonder and enthusiasm.
He delves into the purpose of cathedrals as well as their history, architecture, Scripture and theology. He examines their symbolism and designs, including features like the rose window.
He also reveals his own personal relationship with the gothic cathedrals of France.
“They deepened my biblical sensibility; they convinced me that beauty is a route of access to God; they led me to more fervent prayer; they made me a more effective evangelist,” Bishop Barron said.
FULL STORY
Bishop Barron’s new film explores beauty of France’s gothic cathedrals ahead of pope’s visit (By Katie Yoder, OSV News via The Catholic Weekly)
