Guadalupe: The Miracle and the Message

Narrated by Jim Caviezel
Run time: 58 minutes
New on DVD, $19.95
Not rated
Official Website

This new documentary film narrated by actor Jim Caviezel (The Passion of the Christ) offers original insights into the details, story and impact of the 16th century apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe — one of the most recognizable religious icons in the American hemisphere.

Produced by the Knights of Columbus, the film paints a comprehensive and inspiring picture of the history, facts and legacy of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Being aired as part of ABC television’s Visions and Values series, the documentary will have a broadcast window from Oct. 11 to Dec. 10. It was simultaneously released on DVD.

The film delves into the inexplicable existence of the image that appeared on the tilma (cloak) of an indigenous convert, St. Juan Diego, who received a series of visions of the Virgin Mary over the course of four days in December 1531.

The indigenous people were amazed how the image revealed important elements of the Christian faith through native symbols — an actual codex — that they could understand. Most experts and historians affirm that the image miraculously imprinted on the tilma resulted in the conversion of millions to the Catholic faith.

The image itself has long been puzzling to the scientific community, since it has been shown to exist without having been painted, has survived despite extreme age, adverse conditions and a bombing.

The image also exhibits features reminiscent of photographs, such as reflections in the image’s eyes, even though it appeared hundreds of years before photography.

The documentary brings this remarkable history to life through modern reenactments, 3D animations that allow viewers an unprecedented glimpse into the intricacies of the centuries-old wonder, and interviews with leading theologians, historians and scientists.

PATRICK NOVECOSKY is Legatus magazine’s editor-in-chief.