Every Holy Week I try to find a film to experience that will help me to enter into the spirit of Holy Week and the liturgies of the Easter Triduum. In the past I’ve watched Jesus of Nazareth and The Passion of the Christ. This year my Holy Week film is The Journey: A Music Special from Andrea Bocelli. Even if this isn’t your tradition, you will thank yourself for taking the opportunity to be inspired by this film.
The Journey is in theaters via Fathom Events from April 2nd through the 4th and April 6th through 9th. For more information, visit Fathom Events here.
Inspired during the pandemic to put together something that would offer hope to the world, Bocelli, together with his wife, Veronica, decided to journey via horseback along Italy’s Via Francigena, from Rome to his childhood home in Lajatico, a 200-mile ride.
Starting with a special blessing from Pope Francis, Bocelli begins his travels. He’s joined by other musicians and singers along the way, including Michael W. Smith, Tori Kelly, Tauren Wells, Taya, and others. Not only are the musical performances amazing and inspiring, but the pilgrims take the time to chat along the road about hope, faith, inner peace, and what’s really important.
A very special edition to the film is an appearance by Bocelli’s children, Matteo and Virginia. Matteo reads a letter that he’s written expressing his gratitude to his father for all the inspiration that he’s received during his life. Virginia sings with her father an original rendition of the Ave Maria which Bocelli wrote to teach her the prayer when she was little.
Besides being delighted by the strains of “Hallelujah,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and Schubert’s “Ave Maria,” and many other songs, the ride provides stunning views of the Italian countryside which are just breathtaking.
Amid the hustle and bustle of daily life, give yourself an opportunity to take a deep breath, relax and be touched by the music of The Journey.
