Every couple hundred years or so, something miraculous occurs. In 19th-century France, it was the birth and extraordinary life of St. Th�r�se of Lisieux.
In 21st-century South Philadelphia, it is the efforts of Mary Ellen Smith to spread knowledge of this saint’s intimate personal challenges.
Smith, of the 2000 block of South Newkirk Street, became a dedicated follower of St. Th�r�se after suffering a broken wrist, which led to a serious condition called reflex sympathetic dystrophy.
The King of Peace parishioner was in danger of losing her arm when her daughter gave her a St. Th�r�se healing card.
After a year of intense prayer, she was healed.
"The doctor believed it was a miracle," said Smith, one of only 120 volunteer promoters nationwide for the film Th�r�se: The Story of Saint Th�r�se of Lisieux.
Inspired by the success of The Passion of the Christ, Smith was convinced the independent film would find a local audience. She worked with local churches and others in the community to circulate petitions. The lists were then sent to Luke Films, the production company for Th�r�se.
The number of true believers swayed the studio, and the film will run Sept. 30-Oct. 3 at United Artists Riverview Plaza, Columbus Boulevard and Reed Street, and at the Regal Plymouth Meeting 10 in Conshohocken.
"The entire release of the film was based on the level of individual support from each city and the desire to have the film in their local theaters," said Tonyalynne Wildhaber, director of media relations for the film. "Philadelphia, along with the other cities, was chosen because of the tremendous amount of support."
The story of St. Th�r�se, born Th�r�se Martin, reveals the intense physical struggles and spiritual journey of a young girl who transformed the world by simply loving God. Known as the "Little Flower," Th�r�se was called an "ordinary girl with an extraordinary soul." As a teenager, she begged to join the convent even though she was too young. The order finally relented.
Considered one of the most popular saints of modern times, Th�r�se Martin was canonized in 1925 by Pope Pius XI.
The film was based on the Carmelite nun’s autobiography, Story of a Soul, along with her last conversations about her illness, which were recorded by her sister.
After receiving almost 7,000 signatures supporting Th�r�se, Smith believes the film was destined to appear in Philadelphia.
"I don’t think it’s any coincidence that we got the movie down here in Philly in our own backyard," she said.
Although New York will host the official premiere on Sept. 30, Philadelphia is one of only a few major cities to show the film, which pleases Smith.
And, she added, "we were thrilled to get the movie on [Th�r�se’s] feast day," which is Oct. 1.
But Smith’s job is not quite done. Since learning the film will be screened locally, she has been promoting in full force, calling local churches and schools.
"A lot of young people are supporting the film," she said.
Smith welcomes others to join her mission.
"I encourage people to tell their friends, family, schools and churches. Tell everyone," she said. "It’s important for people to come out and support the movie."
�
For advance tickets and show times, visit www.theresemovie.com or call the Riverview theater at 215-755-2219.
