Introduction, by David Hurst
‘The Miracle Club’, made in 2023, is the final acting role of the late, great Dame Maggie Smith. As 31st October is Hallowe’en night, I considered showing the demonic classic film, ‘The Omen’, until I recently spotted this more cheerful comedy drama for the Film Club in the Seville Cathedral magazine. Really!
Also starring Laura Linney, Kathy Bates and Stephen Rea, the story looks at female friendship across generations in a community in the late 1960's in working class Dublin when the Catholic Church reigned supreme. A bus trip to Lourdes becomes more than a pilgrimage as each of the women look for answers to very different questions.
The critics consensus agrees that, thanks to a talented ensemble cast whose performances enhance a somewhat predictable story, The Miracle Club's charms outnumber its clichés. Do come and judge for yourself!
Photo by Jeremy Yap on Unsplash
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The team at St Beuno's have created this retreat for participants to reflect on Pope Leo XIV's statement: "We want to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering."