On Sunday, Nov. 3, St. Patrick Parish in Benton hosted a special Mazzuchelli Day and premiered a new documentary on the life and legacy of Ven. Samuel Mazzuchelli, OP.
Here is an interview with Bill Synder, executive producer, writer, and director of Mazzuchelli: Called for Great & Difficult Work.
Now that the new film on the life of Venerable Samuel Mazzuchelli is finished, tell us about your experience with this project and its impact on your own spiritual life.
This film has greatly impacted my spiritual life. Throughout the filmmaking process I’ve reflected deeply on the quote of Fr. Mazzuchelli featured in the title of the film. His life and witness calls us to go beyond our comfort zone to evangelize and spread the Gospel. I’ve been inspired by his extraordinary example to stretch myself and live the faith by witnessing to the Love of Christ in my heart to those who are marginalized by society.
Why do you think Father Mazzuchelli’s witness to missionary discipleship needs to be better known?
From the moment I began to research and learn about Father Mazzuchelli, I realized his life was worth emulating. He truly integrated the faith into his daily life and witnessed the Gospel while seeking to understand the customs and traditions of those to whom he ministered. He didn’t just dispense sacraments, he developed relationships and created community. We need the intercession of this zealous Dominican friar today to aid us in bringing the love of Christ to those who are perplexed by or reject God.
What elements of his story speak to this particular time of Church history?
I think the part of his story most relevant for us today is how he evangelized on Mackinac Island. When he was confronted by a Protestant pastor who was hostile to Catholicism, Father didn’t personally attack him or ignore the issue. Instead, he sat in the back of the Protestant church, took notes, and preached a rebuttal rooted in the truth the next week in his homily. Today, it’s a challenge for us to show restraint and respond by sharing the truth in a loving way. Many of us immediately respond uncharitably to someone on social media or talk behind their backs when we are attacked. We can learn much from Venerable Samuel in this regard.
How can Father Mazzuchelli’s life connect to young people discerning their vocation and mission in life?
I think young people can be inspired by the exciting life Father Mazzuchelli led. He boldly followed where the Holy Spirit inspired him to go. He left his home at a rather young age and went on the adventure and took risks confident that he was doing God’s will. Living and discerning your vocation involves taking risks. Venerable Samuel’s example can certainly inspire young adults today to discern their specific vocation and mission in life by embracing the Gospel call to authentic missionary discipleship.
How might this new resource be utilized as a tool for spiritual formation and evangelization training?
I encourage everyone to engage with this film by watching it and using the accompanying reflection/discussion guide to talk about it with your friends. Consider inviting some family or friends over for dinner, a movie, and discussion. Email or text the link of the film to friends, family, and co-workers who may be struggling with their faith or who have fallen away. Invite them to view the film and then meet them for coffee and talk about it. Parishes and schools can easily integrate this film into existing youth and adult formation programs, especially as part of the Go Make Disciples initiative. If you need additional suggestions or more resources feel free to email me at [email protected]