Discussion Groups

Poetry

Group discussions on literary arts can be enriching experiences. Explore this collection of Catholic poetry featuring renowned artists like Dante and Shakespeare, mystical saints such as Hildegard of Bingen and John of the Cross, and modern minds like Gerard Manley Hopkins and Flannery O’Connor. Engaging with these poets’ works in groups fosters deeper conversations as they eloquently express themes of spirituality, divine love, human struggle, redemption, and the mysteries of God. Invite readers and your community into deeper reflection on faith, enriching spiritual journeys through captivating words and profound insights.

This list was generously put together by (list being updated)

  • The Blessed Virgin Compared to the Air, Fr. Gerard Manley Hopkins, SJ
  • Lead, Kindly Light, John Henry Newman
  • Hilaire Belloc
  • Resurrected, Sr. Mary Ada OSJ
  • Carrion Comfort, Fr. Gerard Manley Hopkins, SJ
  • Hound of Heaven, Francis Thompson
  • Ancient Homily for Holy Saturday
  • Selections from The Divine Comedy, Dante Alighieri
  • G.K. Chesterton
  • Dream of the Holy Rood
  • The Hundredfold, Anthony Esolen

Film

A simple discussion around a movie is a great way to invite a larger audience into cultural opportunities. The below movie guide is based partially on the Vatican’s 1995 film list, with the purpose of creating monthly offerings for different audience groups that can encourage small group discussions. Films included are not necessarily appropriate for all audiences and should be given with context and potential viewer warnings.

Cinephile:

  • The Passion of Joan of Arc, Carl T. Dreyer (1928, France)
  • The Mission, Roland Joffé (1986, UK)
  • Vie et passion du Christ, Ferdinand Zecca and Lucien Nonguet (1905, France)
  • The Flowers of St. Francis, Roberto Rossellini (1950, Italy)
  • The Tree of Wooden Clogs, Ermanno Olmi (1978, Italy/France)
  • Thérèse, Alain Cavalier (1986, France)
  • Ordet (The Word), Carl T. Dreyer (1955, Denmark)
  • The Sacrifice, Andrei Tarkovsky (1986, Sweden/UK/France)
  • Ben-Hur, William Wyler (1959, USA)
  • Nazarín, Luis Buñuel (1958, Mexico)
  • A Man for All Seasons, Fred Zinnemann (1966, UK)
  • Andrei Rublev, Andrei Tarkovsky (1969, USSR)
  • Diary of a Country Priest
  • The Tree of Life, Terrence Malick

Intermediate:

  • LENT: The Passion of the Christ (2004)
  • A Hidden Life, Terrence Malick
  • Ben-Hur, William Wyler (1959, USA)
  • Schindler’s List, Steven Spielberg (1993, USA)
  • A Man for All Seasons, Fred Zinnemann (1966, UK)
  • Of Gods and Men (2011)
  • La promise (1996)
  • Dekalog (The Decalogue), Krzysztof Kieslowski (1987, Poland)
  • Bicycle Thieves, Vittorio de Sica (1948, Italy)
  • Dersu Uzala, Akira Kurosawa (1974, Japan)
  • Léon Morin, Priest
  • Jesus of Nazareth (1977)

Introductory/Family:

  • Miracle Maker (1999)
  • It’s a Wonderful Life, Frank Capra (1946, USA)
  • Chariots of Fire, Hugh Hudson (1981, UK)
  • Bicycle Thieves, Vittorio de Sica (1948, Italy)
  • Lawrence of Arabia
  • On the Waterfront, Elia Kazan (1954, USA)
  • Babette’s Feast, Gabriel Axel (1987, Denmark)
  • Monsieur Vincent, Maurice Cloche (1947, France)
  • La promise (1996)
  • The Song of Bernadette (1943)
  • The Ten Commandments

Others to consider:

  • The Lord of Rings
  • Au Revoir, Les Enfants, Louis Malle (1987, France)
  • A Corner in Wheat
  • Rome, Open City, Roberto Rossellini (1946, Italy)
  • Wild Strawberries, Ingmar Bergman (1957, Sweden)
  • The Seventh Seal, Ingmar Bergman (1957, Sweden)
  • The Burmese Harp, Kon Ichikawa (1956, Japan)
  • The Scarlet and the Black (1983)
  • Children of Men
  • Into Great Silence