VIDEO REVIEW
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE: MOTHER OF HOPE!
A Dan Lynch Video Production
Reviewed by Marlene Gillette
A Dan Lynch Video Production
Reviewed by Marlene Gillette
The video, Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mother of Hope!, is a production that effectively combines Catholic Marian devotion with missionary commitment to defend life.
The video was produced in 1999 by Daniel Lynch, national guardian of the Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
This Marian pro-life video serves as a warning, yet not without offering hope as well. The slaughter of innocent human life would seem a cause for despair because it is so terrible. Yet there is a real hope in stopping theses deaths if one calls on the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. The video underscores that all our works must be dependent on God and his plan to end this evil act. To substantiate this message, the video combines excellent history and testimony, with added benefit of good sound and lighting support.
Our Lady of Guadalupe begins with an appealing introduction by Daniel Lynch. Seated in a living room, Lynch urges the viewer to listen to a story and message. His words are precise and comforting: “ The supernatural is still real … we still need [ GOD ] and he still sends His Mother to help us.”
Thereafter, the video presentation is divided into several parts: 1) the historical account of the Marian apparition in Mexico in 1531; 2) the present day situation of abortion; 3) the mission to take a replica of the miraculous tilma around the world; and 4) the miracles attributed to the Missionary Image.
The historical account of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s appearance to Blessed Juan Diego in Mexico is presented as a lesson from the past that mirrors the present. Dr. Warren Carroll, a renowned Catholic historian, recount the story of his apparition, outlining the paganism and slaughter that occurred in Mexico during that time. Although Dr. Carroll acknowledges that some Spanish leaders did commit abuses against the Aztecs, he vindicates Captain Hernan Cortes from secular condemnation. In fact, Carroll sites that Cortes wanted to end human sacrifice and introduce Christianity to the Mexican people. Indeed, after the apparition, it is recorded that there was a Mexican refrain of praise: “Glory to the Immortal Princess who freed us from great evil and who makes us happy…She crushed the serpent.”
Authors Fr. Christopher Rengers and Brother Francis Kalveage, who have written books about Guadalupe devotion, also appear on the video. They discuss the sin of abortion in our society and the need to call upon the Mother of God to end this human slaughter. Pope John Paul 11 is also quoted: “The time has come to banish once and for all…every attack on life…Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, save the nations!”
Lynch then explains the manner of obtaining a replica of the tilma of Guadalupe for the missionary purpose of ending abortion. The dedication of those who travel around the world with the Missionary Image is profound and unequivocal. These men and women offer testimonies from the many souls who have come to see the truth about abortion due to this ministry. Many people have been healed of the wounds of abortion and many unborn lives have been saved by silent presence of the Missionary Image in front of abortion clinics. Again and again, it is conveyed that Mary is the Mother of Hope.
The video ends with a very uplifting scene of an illuminated cross at a Marian conference accompanied by musical refrain: “The light in the darkness is Jesus Christ…come see the light.”
Yes, taste and see the goodness of this video production.
Marlene Gillette is an Associate in Development at Human Life International.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Dan Lynch Video Production
St. Albans Vermont 05478
Tel: 802-524-5350
Fax:802-524-5673