This special live episode of Cinema Verbi was recorded at Detroit’s Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Fr. Matt, Fr. Brian, and a live audience watch the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life (1946).

0:29 – Fr. Matt and Fr. Brian introduce this episode—the very first live episode of Cinema Verbi. Recorded live at Sacred Heart Major Seminary during a fundraiser for Detroit Catholic Campus Ministry, the episode is divided into two parts. During the first portion, Fr. Matt and Fr. Brian introduce this episode’s movie, It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) then the recording pauses while the live audience watches the movie. In the second portion of the podcast, Fr. Brian and Fr. Matt share some thoughts about the movie, their Seeds of the Word ratings, and close the episode with trivia.

(2:27) Fr. Brian shares that he’s seen the movie several times and also acted in a stage production while in high school. Fr. Matt has only seen the film one other time.

(6:14) Fr. Brian provides a brief overview of the Church’s teaching regarding angels, particularly guardian angels; how the Church’s perspective on angels differs from that of popular culture; and the role angels play in the plot of It’s a Wonderful Life.

(10:52) Fr. Matt and Fr. Brian discuss another major theme of the movie, that of giving of oneself for others.

(20:30) Fr. Brian and Fr. Matt return after watching the film with the live audience.

(22:16) Fr. Matt observes that he appreciates how the movie shows that suffering is never in vain, that the Lord can always use it for good.

(25:05) Fr. Brian shares his favorite line from the movie; one that’s not spoken but only seen in a sign in the bank, “All that you can take with you is that which you give away.” He also reflects on some of the character names and wonders if they were deliberately chosen to connect with the Passion story from sacred Scripture.

(26:33) Fr. Matt talks about appreciating seeing the events of the film unfold from the perspective of the angels.

(29:57) Fr. Brian and Fr. Matt share their Seeds of the Word ratings and then play trivia with members of the audience.

(39:25) Fr. Brian closes the episode with prayer.