Video Reflections
Pilgrim of Hope, a Video Reflection
An Interview with Gerard Straub for Jubilee 2025 - Pilgrims of Hope
For Personal or Group Reflection
Opening Prayer (after watching the video Pilgrim of Hope)
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Father in heaven,
may the faith you have given us
in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the flame of charity enkindled
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
reawaken in us the blessed hope
for the coming of your Kingdom.
May your grace transform us
into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos
in the sure expectation
of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,
your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee
reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread
the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed,
be glory and praise for ever.
Amen
-Pope Francis
https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/giubileo-2025/preghiera.html
Reflection Questions
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View Pilgrim of Hope. What did you see? How did you feel?
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Gerry embarked on a pilgrimage from a career in New York and Hollywood, to confronting injustices of global poverty by putting the power of film at the service of the poor, to starting a children’s center in Haiti. Are you aware that you were on a pilgrimage of your own?
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What are some pivotal stages in your own life’s pilgrimage? How have they transformed you?
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Gerry wants to invite others more deeply into prayer and to inspire in them compassionate response to those in dire need. What is one major goal you sense in your journey?
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Jane, through her journey leading up to and beyond graduation, is a living symbol of Hope in Gerry’s pilgrimage. What are some signs of Hope that you’ve encountered during your pilgrimage?
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Response
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Brainstorm local organizations that serve those experiencing poverty in your area. Is there an opportunity for you to volunteer with friends or family members?
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What is your greatest hope? Is there a way you can share that hope with those experiencing poverty, either financial or spiritual, in your area?
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Discover where can you learn more about those experiencing poverty. For a global perspective, you can view for free the full length version of Mud Pies and Kites here as well as other films by Gerard Straub. He also has many books on spirituality and his journey in trying to live according to the life of Saint Francis of Assisi and the writings of Thomas Merton.
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In 2015 Gerard Straub put aside documenting the plight of the poor in order to live with the poor. He brings hope to children and adult staff members through the Santa Chiara Children's Center (and now also Academy due to the dangers of sending the children off to nearby schools in Port-au-Prince). If you feel moved to donate to the center, you may donate via Paypal here, or send a donation to Santa Chiara Children's Center, P.O. Box 643308, Vero Beach, FL 32964
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Closing Prayer
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Dear God,
transform my brokenness, I beg you,
into a new life in you,
the true source of strength and wholeness.
Help me, Lord,
remove everything that blocks me
from joyfully living the good news
of the Paschal Mystery.
Amen
From Mud Pies and Kites (01:52:17 - 01:52:35)
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For more information about Santa Chiara Children's Center, click here.
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If you feel moved to donate to the center, you may donate via Paypal here, or send a donation to:
Santa Chiara Children's Center
P.O. Box 643308
Vero Beach, FL 32964
Video Reflections for Individuals, Classes, or Small Groups
Paschal Mystery in Haiti
Gerard Straub is offering three video reflections for individuals, classes, and small faith-sharing groups, using excerpts from Mud Pies and Kites, his film about Haiti at the time of the 2010 earthquake.
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Gerard is a filmmaker, founder of the Santa Chiara Children’s Center and Academy in Haiti, and author of Reading Thomas Merton and Longing for God in Haiti. He left the wealth of Hollywood to document, and then to live with, God’s Anawim, the Poor.
We suggest you use Visio Divina, a process for prayer and reflection. Spend time with God, God’s beloved in Haiti, and with your own calling to choose to love.
Visio Divina
Step 1 – Pick a time and place for yourself or a small group where distractions will be minimal, preferably non-existent. Close your eyes. Relax and focus on your breathing and the presence of God who gives us the gift of life and breath. Relax, clear your mind, and when ready, watch the video.
Step 2 – Watch the video. As in Lectio Divina, trust that God is present in this time of reflection, especially as we encounter others who are God’s beloved like we are.
Step 3 – What is God saying through the images and sounds of the video? What catches your attention? What is God calling you to? You may also want to use the provided questions to help in reflection.
Step 4 – Respond in prayer. Try to give words to your experience. Think of how, through action, you will choose to love today.
Step 5 – Sit in silence with God, with the beloved in the film, and with your true self.
