Light of Love takes a deeper look into understanding the call...
This was the official website for the 2013 film, Love of Light. Light of Love is a one-hour documentary produced by Lighthouse Catholic Media and Imagine Sisters. The content below is from the site's archived pages.
My neighbor is a lovely woman who has been and continues to be a foster mom for hard to place children. She is also deeply religious praising and thanking the Lord when every day blessings occur and seeking support and spiritual help when times are wearing and tough. One day when all the kids were in school, she dropped by to share some freshly made coffee cake with me. Sipping tea and munching on the coffee cake our conversation ranged from how the kids were doing in school, to commenting on how I found my classic Batman sweatshirt online. She noted that we seemed to be Batman fans as evident from the numerous Batman t-shirts hanging out to dry ranging in size from small kid sizes up to obviously adult men's sizes. We laughed about the variety of different designs and where I bought them. One of her foster children's birthday was coming up and he had expressed a desire to have a shirt with a very specific Batman quote, "Always Be Batman". Pretty sure this is doable. As she was leaving she invited us over the following Saturday evening to watch a documentary film about that follows five Catholic Sisters and begins with the sisters responding to why they feel called to religious life. She observed that the general public has created stereotypes of what "nuns should be" ... or not be and the film was a gracious eye opener. The film was Love of Light. I loved the sisters' honesty, passion, and evident love of God and religious life and am so thankful that I saw it.
ABOUT THE FILM
We often have ideas of religious life… either kneeling in a convent or out in the streets assisting the poor. While both of these scenes are essential to the life as a sister, Light of Love takes a deeper look into understanding the call… the “why” of religious life. By interviewing five sisters from five orders across the United States, the film places viewers face to face in intimate conversations with these amazing women. What does it mean to be called? What are the struggles of religious life? How have you seen God move through your ministry? These questions and others are addressed throughout the film.
The film itself is very simple: 60 minutes designed for viewers to quiet their surroundings and enter into convent, the food pantry, the hospital, and the chapel. With minimal music and simple visuals, Light of Love gives viewers a look into the lives, suffering, and joys of religious life captured in a way like never before.
The discussion and discernment guides that can be downloaded above include questions that should be considered before pressing play on the film. The film makers recommend viewing the film in one sitting- careful to listen and take in the reality and love of these women. If you are interested in receiving a resource box from Imagine Sisters and our gracious sponsors, please click apply under the film above.
Did you enjoy the film? Please consider making a donation to help Imagine Sisters get this film into the hands of hands and hearts of thousands! Click here to donate now using our form through Lighthouse Catholic Media.
The Imagine Sisters Movement uses visual media to show the world that nuns are awesome. We are proud to announce a new partnership with Lumen Vere and Lighthouse Catholic Media to produce a twenty minute film called Light of Love. Following the footsteps of the immensely popular Fishers of Men (for priests), the film will feature sisters sharing about their beautiful vocation. Help us make this film a reality.
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The Basics
Sisters are a powerful witness to the world, and a film must be made to showcase the lives and service of these amazing women. Following boldly in the footsteps of great vocations films like Fishers of Men, Light of Love will tell the beautiful story of four sisters from across the United States. We must raise at least $20,000 by February 1st, 2013 in order to produce Light of Love and be able to release it for free online and in DVD form in late summer 2013.
The Film
The film will be produced by Lighthouse Catholic Media and Los Angeles-based film company, Lumen Vere Media. By interviewing sisters from multiple orders and showcasing their daily lives of prayer and service, Light of Love will provide a unique and beautiful look into the convents and lives of religious sisters. Many films have been produced that feature only a specific order, but the creators of Light of Love have set out to bring a diverse set of charisms and life stories to the film. Resources will be available to download for group discussion, and web resources will continue to be added to serve as a foundation and supplement to the film. We live in a culture that thrives on visual media… it is time that we bring the light of Christ in a way that engages and inspires young people to actively seek their vocation.
Funding the Film
Light of Love will be funded entirely by donations from the faithful, and we must come together to bring this film to the world for the sake of vocations in our Church.. The film requires traveling across the United States, a team of professional filmakers and editors, and promotional costs. Donations are completely tax deductible through Lighthouse Catholic Media, NFP (a registered 501 C3) either by check or online. While our goal is $20,000, any money raised over that number will contribute to marketing and getting the film to young people.
Impact
Light of Love will be made available primarily through the Imagine Sisters Movement, an online vocations organization aimed at passionately proposing the possibility of becoming a bride of Christ. Working under the mission that one sister can change the world, Imagine Sisters creates films, graphics, and comprehensive web content and discernement materials that are viewed by thousands of people every week. The movement has a very large following on Facebook, and the film will be promoted and shared on various Imagine Sisters social network to a crowd of over 100,000 viewers. To learn more about Imagine Sisters, view the website or YouTube page.
Get Involved
1. Pray for the film and the success of the Imagine Sisters Movement. Pray for all of those who feel the call but do not think they have the courage to respond. Pray for all religious sisters.
2. Make a donation
3. Like the Imagine Sisters Facebook page to stay up to date with the film and the movement.
4. Bookmark our Light of Love Blog. We will be adding weekly production photos and behind the scenes material!
5. Share this page with a friend, pastor, organization, of family member. See the Resources tab below for more information.
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New Site + Where do the funds go?
- November 24, 2012
- By: Imagine Sisters
Imagine Sisters + Lighthouse Catholic Media + Lumen Vere Media (we’ll just call them the production team) are proud to announce a new site for our film, Light of Love. We’ll be posting production notes, images, and behind the scenes photos on this blog so stay tuned! But before we can begin filming we need to raise a few bucks. We’ve gotten a few messages about where the money will go, so here is a little breakdown:
- Travel: plane tickets for a team of 3-5, hotel rooms, rental cars, shipping equipment, meals, and unending coffee supply.
- Equipment: camera, sound, and lighting rentals plus additional equipment for the project.
- Professional Services: we have to pay cameramen, interviewers, line producers, editors, and sound techs.
- Finishing: graphics for titles and intro/ending sequences, design for the DVD covers, mastering and final touches.
- Marketing: we want to get the film out all over the world, free of charge. Facebook ads, print ads, web ads, ads everywhere!
Lumen Vere Media has provided all of the video and design services up until now for free because they love nuns. But in order to make this production both beautiful and technically superior to anything else out there, we’ve got to hire them. We have worked a great deal with the team, and films of this caliber normally cost $100,000 or more. This is an exciting opportunity, and we’ve been blessed with a team that is willing to work for what we can afford. That being said, any additional funds we raise for the film will increase the quality and exposure after it is finished.
So what are you waiting for? Make a donation and tell your friends and family about this exciting opportunity for the Church. Please pray for us, and stay tuned… it’s about to get real exciting!
The Production Team
More Background on LightOfLoveFilm.com
Light of Love is a compelling documentary film that offers a unique and intimate glimpse into the lives of Catholic sisters across the United States. Produced by Lighthouse Catholic Media and Imagine Sisters in 2013, this one-hour film has become a significant resource for those interested in understanding the call to religious life and the daily experiences of women who have chosen this path.
The Film's Premise and Structure
Light of Love takes viewers on a journey through the convents, food pantries, hospitals, and chapels where sisters live and serve. By interviewing five sisters from different orders across the country, the film provides a diverse and comprehensive look at the various charisms and life stories within religious life. The documentary is structured to address fundamental questions about religious life, such as:- What does it mean to be called to religious life?
- What are the challenges and joys of this vocation?
- How do sisters experience God's presence in their ministry?
These questions and more are explored through intimate conversations with the featured sisters, offering viewers a chance to connect with their experiences on a personal level.
Visual Style and Presentation
Light of Love is characterized by its simplicity in presentation. The film employs minimal music and straightforward visuals, allowing the sisters' stories and the environments they inhabit to take center stage. This approach creates an atmosphere that invites viewers to quiet their surroundings and immerse themselves in the world of religious life. The 60-minute runtime is carefully crafted to provide a balanced and comprehensive view of religious life without overwhelming the audience. The film's pacing allows for moments of reflection, mirroring the contemplative nature of the sisters' lives.
Featured Sisters and Their Stories
While specific details about the featured sisters are limited in the available sources, the film is known to showcase women from five different orders across the United States. This diversity in representation allows the documentary to highlight various aspects of religious life and the different ways sisters live out their vocations. The sisters featured in the film share their personal journeys, including:- Their initial call to religious life
- The process of discernment and decision-making
- Daily routines and responsibilities
- Challenges they face in their vocation
- Moments of joy and fulfillment in their service
These personal accounts provide viewers with a multi-faceted understanding of religious life, dispelling common stereotypes and offering a more nuanced perspective.
Themes Explored
Light of Love delves into several key themes that are central to understanding religious life:- The Nature of Vocation: The film explores how sisters come to recognize and respond to their calling, emphasizing that each journey is unique.
- Community Life: Viewers gain insight into the dynamics of living in a religious community and the support sisters provide for one another.
- Service and Ministry: The documentary showcases the various ways sisters serve their communities, from healthcare to education to social services.
- Prayer and Spirituality: Light of Love highlights the importance of prayer and contemplation in the lives of religious sisters.
- Challenges and Joys: The film doesn't shy away from discussing the difficulties sisters face, while also celebrating the profound joy many find in their vocation.
- Modernization and Tradition: The documentary touches on how religious life has evolved over time while maintaining its core values and traditions.
Production and Distribution
Light of Love was produced through a collaborative effort between Lighthouse Catholic Media and Imagine Sisters, with support from several other Catholic organizations. The film was created by Lumen Vere Media and Altius Studies, demonstrating a concerted effort within the Catholic community to create high-quality media about religious life. The documentary was made available for free online viewing and DVD distribution, reflecting the producers' desire to make the content as accessible as possible. This approach has allowed the film to reach a wide audience, including those who might not typically seek out information about religious life.
Reception and Impact
While specific critical reviews are not readily available, Light of Love has been well-received within Catholic circles and has become a valuable resource for vocation directors, educators, and those discerning a call to religious life. The film's impact can be seen in its continued use as a discussion starter and educational tool. Many Catholic organizations and educational institutions have incorporated Light of Love into their programs for exploring vocations and understanding religious life.
Educational Resources and Outreach
To enhance the film's educational value, the producers created accompanying materials to facilitate discussion and reflection:- Study Guides: Downloadable guides are available to help viewers engage more deeply with the film's content.
- Discussion Questions: The film is often used in group settings, with provided questions to stimulate conversation about religious life.
- Online Resources: The Imagine Sisters website offers additional information and resources related to the film and religious vocations.
These supplementary materials have extended the film's reach and impact, making it a comprehensive tool for vocation promotion and education about religious life.
Cultural and Social Significance
Light of Love holds cultural and social significance in several ways:- Challenging Stereotypes: The film presents a contemporary view of religious life, countering outdated or simplistic portrayals of nuns and sisters.
- Vocational Promotion: By offering an intimate look at religious life, the documentary serves as a powerful tool for encouraging vocations.
- Education and Awareness: Light of Love has become an important resource for educating the broader public about the role of religious sisters in the modern world.
- Interfaith Understanding: While focused on Catholic religious life, the film's themes of service, community, and spiritual dedication can resonate with people of various faith backgrounds.
- Women's Empowerment: The documentary highlights the leadership roles and significant contributions of women in religious life, offering a perspective on female empowerment within a religious context.
Comparison to Similar Works
Light of Love is part of a broader genre of documentaries exploring religious life. While it shares similarities with other films in this category, it stands out for its focus on contemporary sisters and its accessible, intimate approach. Some comparable works include:- "God Is the Bigger Elvis" (2011): A documentary about a former actress who became a Benedictine nun.
- "The Nuns, The Priests, and The Bombs" (2017): A film exploring the activism of Catholic nuns and priests against nuclear weapons.
Light of Love distinguishes itself by offering a broader view of religious life across multiple orders, rather than focusing on a single community or issue.
Audience and Reach
The primary audience for Light of Love includes:- Catholics interested in learning more about religious life
- Young people discerning vocations
- Educators and vocation directors
- General audiences curious about the lives of nuns and sisters
Light of Love stands as a significant contribution to the understanding and appreciation of religious life in the 21st century. Through its intimate portrayal of sisters from various orders, the film offers viewers a unique window into a world that is often misunderstood or overlooked. Its continued use in educational and vocational settings speaks to its enduring relevance and impact. As a documentary, Light of Love succeeds in balancing the personal stories of individual sisters with broader themes of faith, service, and community. It challenges viewers to consider the depth and diversity of religious vocations while celebrating the dedication and joy of those who have chosen this path. In an age where the role of religious life is often questioned or misunderstood, Light of Love serves as a powerful testament to the ongoing significance and vitality of this vocation. It invites viewers to look beyond stereotypes and see the real women who have dedicated their lives to service and spirituality, illuminating the beauty and complexity of religious life for a new generation.