The Virgin of the Silver Screen

Judith Dupre, a New York Times bestseller author and the author of the acclaimed Full of Grace, Encountering Mary in Faith, Art & Life, will be in Albany on October 22 to present "Mary in the Movies," a fun and thought-provoking evening of film clips and commentary on the Virgin of the silver screen. She will look at classic and popular films that Mary has inspired, and examine her hold on the creative and spiritual imagination. The evening is a benefit for the Food Pantry of the Church of St. Vincent de Paul.

“Virgin and mother, peasant and queen, inspiration and apparition—no one persona fully expresses the identity of the Virgin Mary," said Ms. Dupre. "Through the centuries, she has inspired countless artists. Filmmakers are no exception, casting her in movies such as The Gospel According to St Matthew, The Passion of the Christ, and The Nativity Story. Marian references and symbolism abound in secular movies too, including The Godfather II, A Bridge Too Far, and Ella Enchanted."

The event will take place on October 22 at St. Vincent's Church, 900 Madison Avenue in Albany. There will be a Soup and Bread Supper at 6 p.m. in the community room, followed by Mary in the Movies at 7 p.m in the Church. Afterwards, dessert will be provided in the community room, at which time copies of Full of Grace will be available for sale and signing by the author.

A free will offering will benefit those who come to the St. Vincent's Food Pantry.