Be Inspired and Uplifted — Watch Our Commemorative Film Today
Please watch an inspiring and important film story about the ongoing legacy of the first Catholic parish and cemetery established in the state of Virginia by clicking here.
To Jesus Through Mary, produced in part to commemorate the 225th Anniversary of the first Catholic church, cemetery, and parish in the state of Virginia, shares both the historic and theological importance of the Basilica of Saint Mary as revealed by its rich ancestry, its sacred art and architecture, personal reflections, and expert commentary.
Throughout the centuries, the Basilica of Saint Mary has played a crucial role in the growth of Catholicism in Virginia. On Sunday, January 14, 2018, Bishop Michael Burbidge announced that Saint Mary Catholic Church had been granted the title of “minor basilica,” making it the first basilica in Northern Virginia, the first in the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, and the 84th in the United States.
This extraordinary contribution to the growth of Catholicism in the region and legacy would not have been possible without the spiritual and temporal support of St. Mary’s most ardent caretakers – her parishioners and leading clergy.
It is these very present-day disciples of Christ that have made our landmark film, To Jesus Through Mary, possible.
Please be sure to watch the credits at the end of the film for a full listing of all those who agreed to be filmed or interviewed including Most Rev. Michael F. Burbidge, D.D., PhD, Bishop, The Catholic Diocese of Arlington; Rev. Charles Connor, S.T.L. PhD, Assistant Professor of Church History; Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary; parishioners Michael Fannon and Frank Fannon, IV; school leaders, faculty, and parents Joseph Guiffre, Mary Pierpoint Davis, Caroline Higgins, Jessica Benjamin, and Michael Jones; and former apostolate leaders Jim Larocco, Elizabeth Scheuren, Helen Lynch, Steve Teslik, Timothy Donnelly, and Paul Stevens.
As the primary narrator and pastoral guide for the film, our Rector, the Very Reverend Edward Hathaway, offers the viewer a glimpse into his own vocation discernment and shares the depth of meaning and intention for our church’s sacred art and magnificent stained-glass windows. Mr. Michael Patrick AIA, principal with BarnesVanze Architects, Inc., leads us through a greater understanding of the tangible symbols in the church that designate St. Mary’s as a minor basilica.
We are especially grateful to Mrs. Kitty Guy, our long-time volunteer parish historian who is truly our expert reference source for parish and cemetery history as well as the keeper of countless stories of parish life through the years.
On behalf of Father Hathaway, inquiries about the To Jesus Through Mary film can be directed to Anne Mathis, director and producer for the film and Chief Stewardship Officer for the parish and school. Anne can be reached at amathis@stmaryoldtown.org and on her mobile phone at 443-994-9065.
