By Diana Sai Farias
Special to The Voice

A Catholic film series continues in downtown Antioch this month with “Maria Goretti” at the El Campanil Theatre, Tuesday, May 18th at 7 p.m. The film tells the life of St. Maria Goretti, a virgin and martyr who lived in Italy from 1890-1902.

Sponsored by the St. Rose of Lima chapter of lay Dominicans at Holy Rosary Parish, the series has a film scheduled every third Tuesday through December at El Campanil. Upcoming films include “Don Bosco” in June, “Padre Pio” in September, and “Clare and Francis” in October. Films shown earlier this year were “Padre Pio,” “Bernadette” and “The Passion of Bernadette.”

Andrea Vitale, an organizer of the series and owner of Holy Angels Gift Shop next door to the Theatre, said she decided to develop the series after two viewings of “The 13th Day” about Our Lady of Fatima met with success. “We had an afternoon and evening showing and close to 800 people,” she said. “Some people who came said they wanted to see something like this every week. They want to bring their families to something that has wholesome content.”

Vitale is using the “Night at the Movies” series of Ignatius Press. They “came out with these beautiful saint movies and we’re fortunate to have this nice theater here so close to the church, so it’s convenient for parishioners,” she said.

“Night at the Movies” can be used as a fundraiser for parishes and schools. Any proceeds from the Antioch showings will be given to Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley and Holy Rosary Parish, Antioch.

Tickets may be purchased at El Campanil Theatre in advance or at the door at 602 West 2nd St., and at Holy Angels Gift Shop, 702 West 2nd St. in Antioch. $5 general admission, $2 for students and seniors over age 62. No fee for priests and religious.

To find a list of film dates and times, call the El Campanil office (925) 757-9500 or go to www.elcampaniltheatre.com. Start times may vary.

Information about the Ignatius Press “Night at the Movies” program: Diane Hanson, (866) 431-1531 ext. 5; dhanson@ignatius.com or www.ignatius.com/promotions/movienights.

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