Catholic campus group views controversial movie of Christ

David Haut|February 25, 2004

A crowd standing in line at Northstar 14 Theaters waits to get seats to Mel Gibson´s new controversial movie The Passion of The Christ. The film opened Feb. 25.

A crowd standing in line at Northstar 14 Theaters waits to get seats to Mel Gibson´s new controversial movie The Passion of The Christ. The film opened Feb. 25.

Catholics celebrated Ash Wednesday with passion.

Eight members of Missouri Southern’s Catholic Campus Ministry went to see The Passion of the Christ on Feb. 25, the opening day of the film. The film was directed and funded by Hollywood icon Mel Gibson. The group is just one of many groups on campus to see the film on the opening weekend.

“[Ash Wednesday] is a very important period of the year for Catholics,” said Katarina Dzidic, senior psychology and French major. “We thought this would be a great way to commemorate it.”

Ash Wednesday commemorates the beginning of Lent, the holy period of fasting. The 40-day fast ends on Easter Sunday.

The group first went to Mass and then to a 7:30 p.m. showing of Gibson’s film. The movie has raised some controversy in the entertainment world due to its strong religious affiliation.

“We are also looking forward to this movie because it can give us some good insights and spark up some good discussion,” Dzidic said, prior to seeing the film. “A big part of our meetings is to discuss our faith and our beliefs and grow from each other’s experiences.”

Prior to seeing the film, Dr. James Jackson, professor of biology and faculty adviser of the organization, said the group may meet to discuss the film, depending on the time and a place to meet.

“We think it will be a solidifying way to experience Lent,” Jackson said. “[This film] is a good way to put the emphasis back on Lent.”

Group members agree the film will not only be a great way to experience lent, but to grow in their faith.

Jackson was pleased the film was released on Ash Wednesday, an important day for Catholics.

“[The film] has become an event,” he said. “Everybody’s appreciation for [Christ’s life] will change.”

The Catholic Campus Ministry currently has about eight members, according to Jackson. The group meets on Wednesdays at St. Peters Catholic Church for prayer and Thursday nights in Room 311 of Billingsly Student Center for Mass. The organization also has two retreats per year.

For information, contact Jackson in RH-308 or at 625-9578.