Faith events for Belvedere House and local cinema

A major Catholic faith gathering is set to take place in Westmeath next month when the A Call to Live Faith Festival comes to Belvedere House, Gardens and Park, Mullingar.

The festival, which is being promoted as a full-day celebration of faith, community and Christian witness, will be held on Saturday September 26, running from 12 noon until 8pm in the historic lakeside estate on the shores of Lough Ennell.

Organisers describe the event as a faith festival designed to bring people together for a day of prayer, inspiration and fellowship. The gathering is expected to attract attendees from across the midlands and beyond.

Tickets are priced at €30 for general admission and €20 for concession rates, and advance booking is available online.

Lined up as speakers are Rev Scott Evans, author, pastor and former UCD chaplain; Rev Michael Mitton, author; Luke Whelan, author and journalist; Philip Larragy of RELEASE, which supports people to rebuild their lives after prison; Methodist minister Rev Nigel Gill, who is the presenter of Heartlands on Midlands 103; Ciara Murphy, environmental policy advocate at the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice; and Brendan Talbot of Naas Healing Ministry.

Free film

Meanwhile, there is to be a free showing, at Screen 5 of the IMC cinema in Mullingar at 3pm on Sunday September 6 of the film ‘Brother Sun, Sister Moon’.

Brother Sun, Sister Moon (‘Fratello sole, sorella luna’) is a 1972 historical drama directed by Franco Zeffirelli, telling the story of St Francis of Assisi and his decision to abandon a life of wealth and privilege to devote himself to poverty, simplicity and faith.

The film follows his spiritual transformation and the founding of the Franciscan movement.