The Gospel in Action Project
The Gospel in Action is an exciting and innovative multimedia project of the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans). It's purpose is to highlight stories of Dominicans throughout the world living out their Dominican vocation of preaching and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Dominican friars and sisters are encouraged to create and submit short films highlighting their work with the poor and marginalized.
The first film submitted (and shown below) is a 25 minute video sharing the story of six friars actively putting the Gospel into action on behalf of the poor and showing the strong connection between their actions, the Gospel, and the Dominican Tradition. They include Henri Burin des Roziers, OP, ministering to farm workers in Brazil; Godfrey N’Zamujo, OP, ministering to the people of Berin, West Africa; Pedro Meca, OP, working and living among the poor and homeless in Paris; and Bishop Pierre Claverie, OP, who was assassinated in Algeria in 1996. Certainly the most poignant images in the film are those of Bishop Claverie, courageously extolling dialogue between people of different faiths shortly before his own death.
Interspersed among the stories are the words of such great Dominicans as Dominic himself, Thomas Aquinas, Bartholome de las Casas, and Martin de Porres. The inclusion of such great members of the Order situates the work of the contemporary Dominicans to those of our 800 year tradition. The film is also a reminder of the necessary link between study and ministry. Dominicans of every generation study theology and scripture in addition to the signs of the times, in order to preach the Good News to all.
Two Masters of the Order are featured in the film. First the previous Master, Timothy Radcliffe, OP, tells of the inspiring faith of the African peoples, finding God in the midst of the hardships of life. Finally, our current Master, Carlos Aspiroz Costa, OP, invites Dominicans throughout the world to share films of their evangelizing ministries with the Order.
