Fr Cyril Odia SDB is the Rector, or community leader, of the Salesians in Maynooth, Ireland. Once the home of Ireland's largest seminary, Maynooth is now a leading university campus. Cyril and his confrere keep up the long-established tradition of formation and training in this historic institution. As well as being Chaplain to two local schools and the Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, his unique CV includes 'executive producer' to a major new Nollywood movie, 'The Oratory'—a claim that few Rectors could offer! In many ways he has embraced the recent plea of Pope Francis for Catholic media outlets to be reflective of the whole Church. It should sadden all of us to see the way that our Holy Father has been criticised and savaged in right-wing Catholic media. In reflecting with his Jesuit confrere on his recent trip to Slovakia, Pope Francis bemoaned the fact that even one of the most popular international Catholic TV stations is so negative, wanting to draw the Church back to some time warp when everything was somehow perfect. The reality is, as we all know, that we are part of a very human family—yes, guided by the Holy Spirit, but all too human! Even a brief reading of Paul's pastoral letters reveals that humanity all too well.

One of the premier Catholic media agencies noted for its failure to fully support our Pontiff is EWTN—an international agency with an audience of over two hundred million. It was founded by the charismatic communicator Mother Angelica, who based her new convent in the midst of the vast studio complex in rural Alabama. The great Cardinal Martini of Milan noted that, in modern society, church spires have been replaced by television aerials and satellite dishes. He realised that modern media could be a wonderful way to spread the gospel message and urged the Church not to fear it or condemn it. This is very much part of Salesian tradition, as we remember the hours that Don Bosco spent in producing magazines, pamphlets, and books—like Charles Dickens, Bosco saw the power of the media of his day. As we work with modern forms of media, we realise the tremendous costs involved. If we are going to compete with likes of the BBC, NBC, and NETFLIX, we have to be prepared to follow their production values—which will never come cheap. Thus, Catholic media has to be up there with the best and 'The Oratory' is a movie that tells a story that many want to hear and share in. Fr Cyril and his production team are to be praised for trying to support the call of Pope Francis to offer media that reflects the universality of our Catholic faith. It is especially pleasing to see it come from the emerging African cinema scene: Nollywood and Bollywood have helped to broaden the cinema focus away from Hollywood and the West. Producers like Obi Elmayone offer a global audience a unique vision of African life, which transcends cultural stereotypes that can be revealed in movies like 'A Nun's Story' or 'African Queen'.

Mother Angela of EWTN was noted for her on-going feud with Cardinal Mahoney of Los Angeles over their differing views on the Eucharist—once again the sacrament of unity became a sign of Catholic bitterness. However, if we are painfully honest, there have been arguments about the Eucharist Table since Apostolic times, as Paul's letter to the Church in Corinth proves. She also led the station towards an increasingly right-wing political stance that saw the rise to power of the billionaire Donald Trump. To be fair, EWTN began its life as a real service and support to the US Catholic community. The gentle and warm smile of Mother Angelica has to be balanced by the harsh finger-pointing that could be seen as arrogance—she had to be seen to be right! Certainly, that finger-pointing has now risen to a new level, as EWTN moved more to the right and seen to publicly espouse the policies of former President Trump. The provision of Mass, the rosary and the stations of the cross are scheduled next to overtly political propaganda in programmes like 'Raymond Arreryo and his Papal Posse'—it is fair to say that this 'posse' have, in Pope Francis's own words, 'bad mouthed' (in Italian 'sparlare') his office. According Arreryo, who is also a pundit on the right-wing outlet Fox News, our present Holy Father is too liberal and does not promote the agenda of his two immediate predecessors. Such a claim is manifestly unfair, as Pope Francis constantly refers to both John Paul II and Benedict XVI in his preaching and teaching—along with a whole host of other Popes and Ecumenical Councils. The religious right love to accuse liberal Catholics of cherry picking what they want from the 'Catholic Cafeteria'. EWTN does exactly the same in its choice of speakers and style of worship. If this was a truly Catholic station then it would welcome nuns in secular dress, contemplatives in action, Saints in their shirtsleeves, and activists for a full understanding and appreciation of the Catholic LGBT community. As we have seen in both the Brexit debate and the US 2020 elections, extremism does not build up the family of our Church. Rather we have to stand with Jesus as he spoke up for the silent, marginalised, sinners, sick and poor.

It was that vision of ministry on the margins that inspired Fr Cyril in his own Salesian vocation. As we always see in the gospels, the gift of the Lord in our lives is not something we jealously guard and hold on to: rather, it is shared with others. Fr Cyril had a dream of re-telling the inspirational story of Don Bosco in a new and challenging way. Over the years, that vision encouraged and renewed his own vocation, and it was lovely to meet up with him as he visited key people who helped him on his own vocational journey, like Fr Harry O'Brian SDB and Fr Tony Fernandes SDB. Fr Cyril has an obvious enthusiasm and desire to promote the vision of our Salesian founder in a way that will inspire and encourage. The Turin Oratory, based in the rundown neighbourhood of Valdocco was more than just a school to the abandoned youngster that Don Bosco found on the streets of this busy and lively metropolis. The Pinardi Shed was more than just a youth club for these kids: the Oratory became their place of education, their experience of Church community, their playground, and, for many, a real home. Under the watchful eye of Mama Margaret Bosco and her son, this Oratory was a place of joy, song, laughter, and deep prayer—it is the model for all good Salesian ministry to this day.

Fr Cyril's dedication to this dream of re-presenting the story, reached its fulfilment in the Odeon Cinema, Dublin when the world premiere of 'The Oratory' was shown to an enthusiastic audience in early September 2021. Since then, the production team have held screenings in London, Paris, Turin, Venice, Lagos, and Abuja. He has used modern media to tell a story that is timeless: we all have a duty to care for our young people. 'The Oratory' is not a simple slide show, or a YouTube production filmed on a mobile phone. Strict production values were adhered to with location filming taking place in Rome, Turin, and Lagos. Professional actors and film crew were hired—a testament to Fr Cyril's faith in the project. He was clear that the movie should tell the story of Don Bosco and how it has influenced the Salesian mission across the world. It is not a Eurocentric movie: rather, it shows how the wisdom of an eighteenth-century priest directly impacts the lives of Lagos street-kids in the twenty-first century. As so often happens, we can only build a safe future on the basis on firm foundations.

The movie tells the fictional tale of an African-American priest played by the up and coming actor, Rich Lowe Iccena. This is, in my opinion, a real strength of the movie: the missionary priest, while not the stereotypical white males of movies like 'The Mission', is still 'western' in his outlook and upbringing. 'Fr Michael' is sent by his superiors to work in a wealthy Lagos parish, but he yearns to work across the river among the street children. We see a clever juxtaposition of this modern missionary's life with that of Don Bosco. We are given flashbacks into history, filmed in the real locations associated with Don Bosco—these are the motivations that 'Fr Michael' needs to ensure his mission will succeed. These references to the Salesian founder help us to understand the motivation and real care of 'Fr Michael' and his desire to see these youngsters free from the evil crime baron, Shuga. The story is one of hardship and pain in the harshest of slums—a misery and hardship that so many young people have to endure today. However, it is a story of ultimate redemption and glory for those prepared to accompany our young people through the problems and hurts of life. Brokenness does not define us—we are invited to rise and ensure that all are given dignity and respect.

Across the planet, thousands who identify with the charism of Don Bosco, are advocating for the rights of young people in diverse geographical locations. 'The Oratory' comes as very timely reminder of the universal and truly Catholic nature of the Salesian mission. It offers a new and needed take on the notion of the Salesian 'mission'. As a Church, and as a Salesian family, we must realise that the mission never changes—it may be clothed in different garments, and unusual languages used—at least to the Western ear! This film reminds us that Don Bosco's vision began in a church sacristy in Turin, but its impact reaches beyond Italy, beyond Europe and into the global community. The dream of Don Bosco is a dream for all: 'Fr Michael' in the movie stands with his new young friends to ensure that they are safe. We are reminded of that famous 1884 'Letter From Rome' that Don Bosco sent to his community in Turin. He was worried that they had lost touch with that simple and original charism of presence: being around and available to serve youngsters in need. 'The Oratory' is a timely reminder to the Church, as we emerge from a global pandemic, to listen to what our young people have to say. They have a unique experience that needs to be shared—their voice cannot be muffled or forgotten. Time and time again, the Holy Father reminds us of the need for authentic encounter. We cannot ignore people because they do not live in the right area or drive the best cars. Pope Francis reminds us constantly of the need we have to build bridges, instead of walls. This can be achieved so simply by being a good listener. In the movie, 'Fr Michael' is the adult that does listen—he is not there to hurt or exploit. I feel that this movie will help us to reach beyond our own pre-conceptions, even our bias. The challenging message of 'The Oratory' is a message of a universal Church. It is not some sort of 'spiritual Disneyland' that offers a fake hope: the power of the challenge is there to see and, ultimately, reflect deeply on. The words of the 1884 Letter are as important today in Turin, Lagos, Manila, and Manchester:

You do not realise how lucky you are in having come to the Oratory. I declare before God: it is enough for a young person to enter a Salesian house for Our Lady to take him under her special care. Let us all agree on this then: may the charity of those who command and the charity of those who must obey cause the spirit of St Francis de Sales to reign among us. My dear children, the time is coming when I will have to tear myself away from you and leave for eternity." (Secretary's note: at this point Don Bosco broke off the dictation; his eyes filled with tears, not of sorrow but because of the inexpressible tenderness that was evident from his face and voice; after a few moments he went on.) "And so, I want to leave you, my dear priests and brothers and my dearest boys, on the road the Lord himself wants you to follow."

On Thursday 8th June, CAFOD are running a free webinar where they will be screening the film, with Fr Cyril joining to discuss his involvement in the film. If you are interested in attending click here