Today is the official release date for the new movie The 13th Day. Based on the memoirs of Sister Maria Lucia de Jesus, and thousands of independent eyewitness accounts, The 13th Day is a dramatic retelling of the supernatural experiences of three shepherd children nearly a century ago. The events depicted in the film transpired between May 13, 1917 and October 13, 1917 in the Cova da Iria (Cove of Irene) region of Fatima, Portugal. Learn more at Ignatius Press’ site (the North American distributor of the film) or at The13thDay.com.

Thanks to all who contributed to “bail me out of jail” today. Some funds are still trickling in, but I’ve been able to raise more than $1,200 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (not my full $2,400 goal, but not bad for my rookie performance). Your contributions were a big help! You can still contribute through the website at https://www.joinmda.org/midtownlockup2008/lcox. I think it will remain active for about 30 days, or at least through the end of the Jerry Lewis Telethon coming up on Labor Day weekend.

It was a great experience, including the part where I was “arrested” by a sheriff’s deputy and escorted from my workplace in a police car. I’ll post pictures this weekend (I seem to have lost my camera’s cable and can’t download the pictures…).

I was able to attend last Sunday’s Catholic New Media Celebration in Atlanta and had a blast! One attendee has posted a short video of the event on her blog, Catholic in Film School. Nicely done, Rebecca!

We had a great time today at the Atlanta Eucharistic Congress. Just some random observations:

• Parking: Jammed! But I guess this is a good thing: the event is getting more popular (I suspect that the final attendance will far exceed last year’s 20,000). Last year, we were able to park at the Georgia International Congress Center, where the event was held. This year, we had to go to one of the airport parking vendors across the street. Fortunately, they provided shuttle service to the convention. And when we left, there was no charge. What a pleasant surprise! I’m not sure if the lot comped it since it was a religious event, or if the Congress Center or Archbishop picked up the tab, but it was much appreciated.
• Lost Phone Fiasco: Early in the day, my wife’s phoned was lost, which put a damper on the day. It never turned up at lost-and-found when we were there. Fortunately, a security guard called around 8:30 tonight and told us that he found the phone! Awesome! We thought we’d have to buy a new one. My wife’s prayers to St. Antony worked!
• Speaker Accessibility: No prima donnas by any stretch of the imagination. All were approachable, friendly and genuinely wanted to strike up a conversation. I got the chance to speak for a while with Steve Ray and Bob Evans (a.k.a. The Donut Man). While not speakers today, I also was able to easily flag down Fr. Roderick and Greg Willits of SQPN.
• Mass: Wow! I’ve never been to a mass with so many people. Archbishop Gregory presided. ‘Nuff said!

All around, an excellent event. We’re looking forward to next year.

I just finished reading Pope John Paul II’s 1993 encyclical Veritatis Splendor (The Splendor of Truth). With the upcoming Catholic New Media Celebration and its focus on the new evangelization on my mind, one passage near the end stood out as particularly relevant:

Just as it does in proclaiming the truths of faith, and even more so in presenting the foundations and content of Christian morality, the new evangelization will show its authenticity and unleash all its missionary force when it is carried out through the gift not only of the word proclaimed but also of the word lived. In particular, the life of holiness which is resplendent in so many members of the People of God, humble and often unseen, constitutes the simplest and most attractive way to perceive at once the beauty of truth, the liberating force of God’s love, and the value of unconditional fidelity to all the demands of the Lord’s law, even in the most difficult situations.

– Veritatis Splendor, 107 [bold added for emphasis]

It is easy for us to get caught up in particular methods of communication, including the excitement of newer media ranging from podcasts to blogs and beyond. As we proclaim the word using new communication tools, let us be wise enough to not forget the critical ingredient of “the life of holiness.” Let’s remember that we must first be followers of Christ, not only proclaiming the word – but also living the word in lives of holiness. It is from our example of transformation and holiness that our efforts in the new evangelization “will show its authenticity and unleash all its missionary force.”

I plan on attending the Catholic New Media Celebration here in Atlanta on June 22, and I hope to see you there, too. This is the first such event of its kind, and hopefully, it will become an annual happening.

The CNMC is a day to learn, share and explore how New Media can help the Catholic Church in the New Evangelization.

It will teach people — whether media producers or simply those who enjoy Catholic New Media — how to get involved in the exciting media revolution that is opening up so many new opportunities for the Church to spread the message of Jesus, the Bread of Life.

The Catholic New Media Celebration promises to be a festive, educational and spiritual one-day event to help all Catholics live out the “great relaunching” of evangelization called for by Pope John Paul II.