Urgent Appeal

October 25, 2007

To:       All of our friends in the New York tri-state area

From:   Fr. Glenn Sudano & the Friars of the Renewal

Re:       The movie: Bella

Perhaps many of you have heard about a powerful movie entitled Bella, which is going to be released this weekend. The word “movie” is most appropriate since it is not only emotionally moving, but morally moving. Already, pregnant mothers who have seen the film have chosen not to have their planned abortion. In fact, producers of this wonderful work are planning to have a website called “Bella’s Babies” to post the testimonies of those mothers who decided to give birth rather than abort!

Friends, Divine Providence has also ordained that the movie open this weekend at two extremely significant and influential theaters in the heart of Manhattan, the media capital of the world. The makers of the movie are calling this unexpected turn of events nothing short of a miracle. However, in this regard, if God does His part, He expects us to do ours.

For this reason, on behalf of the friars, I am asking you, and those you know who reside in the New York tri-state area, to spread the word. We need plenty of people to get into Manhattan this weekend to see the movie. Those “in the business” know this plain fact: what happens on the opening weekend determines the fate of the movie. The scenario is simple: low attendance on the opening weekend means a handful of theaters will carry the film; good attendance means hundreds of theaters. Those personally involved in the production and marketing of Bella told the friars that a large turnout this Sunday is crucial.

We are well aware that many of you who are friends of the friars cannot get into Manhattan this weekend, yet you may have friends and family members who can. Please send them this letter! These are the two venues:

Regal Union Square Stadium 14

850 Broadway

New York, NY

212-253-6266

AMC Empire 25

234 West 42 Street

New York, NY

212-398-3939

Of course, if Bella is being shown in your area it is imperative that you attend, especially the opening. Nevertheless, whenever you attend, bring others with you.

Friends, it is now common knowledge that The Passion of the Christ was a success because of a grassroots movement which circumvented the system which holds the reins of marketing and distribution. We are all well aware of how the internet can spread poison, yet, it can also be used for good. Can we ask you to e-mail this urgent appeal to family members and friends? We are fighting against organized darkness and death; like little David we stand in the shadow of a giant. Yet, we all know how that story ended.

To disrespect, diminish, or destroy innocent human life is very wrong; yet to silently stand by watching it happen is very, very wrong. In the first case, I am guilty of a sin of commission, in the second, a sin of omission. In the first case, I commit an evil, in the second, I allow it to happen. Both are wrong and displeasing to God.

Friends, one small boy and one smooth stone slew a giant and saved many lives. One great movie can do the same. bellathemovie.com

Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR

Most Blessed Sacrament Friary, Newark, NJ

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