Endorsements for The 13th Day
The 13th Day is the best film ever made about Fatima — the most beautiful and effective, as well as one of the most historically accurate. Sister Lucia’s memories are imbued with an aura of reverie and contemplation by striking visuals, an effective score and a stark, simple narrative. A fact-based film that succeeds in being both artful and reverent is a rare thing. The 13th Day succeeds.
– Steven D. Greydanus, National Catholic Register (read the full review here)
I believe the film The 13th Day is a wonderful contribution to the promotion of the message of Our Lady of Fatima. Pope John Paul II, shortly after the attempt on his life on May 13th, 1981, reviewed all the material on Fatima and said that the message is “more important now than it was in 1917.” Pope Benedict XVI has said, “Learn the message of Fatima! Live the message of Fatima! Spread the message of Fatima!”
I have reviewed the film a number of times. It is a powerful presentation of the events surrounding Our Lady’s apparitions. It especially shows the sufferings that the three little shepherd children, Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta, suffered as God’s messengers of Our Lady’s peace plan from Heaven. It combines a certain dramatic intensity with an attractive and innovative artistic presentation. The result is a moving appeal to heed Mary’s message which is so important for our times. The courage seen in the three young visionaries in this film is very striking and will certainly have an impact on many viewers. I believe this film will assist the cause of the world’s peace and the salvation of souls.
– Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR
It is a remarkable re-telling of the story of Fatima, told from the perspective of Sister Lucia’s memories. It is a moving presentation and one which vividly portrays the courage of the children and the great demands made not only on them but on their families. I believe that many will be deeply touched by the film.
– Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, UK
The Shrine of Fatima recognizes that this independent fictional film, based on the events surrounding the apparitions of Fatima, is of great value. It is an intense film that shows great sensitivity. It shows research and dedication, and it is well structured. From the very first contacts the Shrine had with the production crew, the group always manifested to have, as main purpose for this work, to highlight the message of Fatima. After viewing the final product, the Shrine congratulates the entire crew and prays that this main purpose may soon come to fruition, so that the world may, through Our Lady and this remarkable event for the Church and for the world, come to God.
– Official Endorsement from the Shrine in Fatima, Portugal
The new Fatima movie, The 13th Day, lives up to the hype we heard all summer. It leaves older film versions in the dust in terms of cinematic artistry and special effects. Directors Ian and Dominic Higgins were illustrators before they were film makers, and it shows. Each shot looks like something one could frame and hang on a wall…. I have a feeling that this film will be a “Catholic classic” for many years to come.
– Daria Sockey, Faith & Family Live (read the full review here)
This is a triumph of a film. And I don’t think I’ve ever used that word for a film before. . . .
– Sr. Helena Bruns, FSP (read the full review here)
Directors Ian and Dominic Higgins, accomplished more than a pious revival of a fond moment in Catholic history, they re-cast familiar images of a story whose relevance has grown with time.
– Leticia Velasquez, Hartford Catholic Examiner (read the full review here or at the Catholic Media Review)
