Hundreds turn out to Paul VI conference center to see the new saint film “Triumph of the Heart” in enthusiastic university screening.
A week before its premiere, Franciscan University hosted an early screening of “Triumph of the Heart,” a new movie portraying the life and sacrifice of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, OFM Conv. The screening was generously made possible by the Militia Immaculata and the Knights of the Holy Queen household.
The event’s sponsors took great care to provide a truly captivating night for their fellow students, turning this occasion into a real community event in honor of the great saint. The Knights and the Militia Immaculate set up tables to promote their Marian devotion, and free popcorn was given out to enhance the cinematic experience.
Going into this movie, excitement was high. The icon of Kolbe loomed large over campus, and by the beginning of the showing, the Paul VI conference center filled with devotees of the saint and students interested in the story of Kolbe’s life and death.
One attendee, Brittney Murillo, senior philosophy and theology major, said with anticipation: “I’ve heard very good things about it. I’m very excited that not only Knights, but also the Immaculata Club is showing it, so I’m here to support.”
When asked her thoughts about going into the screening, she said, “I think it’s going to be a tough movie because, obviously, Maximilian Kolbe’s story is not easy. But I think it shows the true passion and the true meaning of what being a Christian is–fully lived out through martyrdom. So I’m very excited.”
When the movie ended, the attendees were deeply moved. One student called out at the end of the production, “Who cried?” and dozens raised their hands in solidarity. The atmosphere was charged with inspiration as attendees walked out.
Noah Bernemann, a sophomore philosophy and theology major, shared his reaction with The Troubadour: “Honestly, I like how it wasn’t like a cliche movie about hope. Like, it was very gritty and honest. And the transformations [of the characters] were very authentic.”
He added, “It was just so beautiful, just to see how they responded in just their own way.. to God’s work. I mean, it was a really inspirational movie.”
The screening was organized by Kevin Lee, advisor to the Knights of the Holy Queen. “I was a student and a member of [the Knights] during my time here,” he said. “So I have a devotion to Our Lady and Maximilian Kolbe. So his movie and any movie that’s about him, I’m interested in showing as many people as possible.”
Lee had the opportunity to meet the producer of the movie Anthony D’Ambrosio, and after expressing his interest in bringing the film to campus, D’Ambrosio helped arrange the screening.
For those touched by the life and legacy of St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Militia Immaculata–founded by Kolbe himself to foster devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary–has a club on campus for students looking to consecrate their lives to Mary, just as Kolbe.
“Triumph of the Heart” will be released to the public Sept. 12. For a movie honoring a saint who gave his life and used mass media to spread the good news, many prays its release will touch countless hearts, just as it did at Franciscan.