Miracles During Filming of "The Passion"

Got this report about the Passion via e-mail this morning for Joel News. I thought I'd share it with you.

Few movies have been discussed before their release as much as Catholic actor Mel Gibson's 'The Passion', a portrait of Jesus Christ of the 12 hours before his crucifixion. In interviews, Mel Gibson tells of astonishing events, even miracles, which occurred during the filming. "Many unusual things happened. For example, people were healed of illnesses; some have regained their hearing and sight. Another was struck by lightning while we were filming the crucifixion, but just stood up and carried on. The power in the script alone is very interesting. There was also the case of a six-year-old girl, daughter of someone connected with the film crew, who has had no epileptic fits for over a month, while she used to have up to fifty fits each day." Gibson is amazed how the film has touched most of the actors and actresses in some deep, personal way.

Jim Caviezel, a devout Catholic who plays the role of Jesus in the film, is convinced that it was the Holy Spirit who led him to play the role. "It is important for me to portray Jesus' character as God intends," he says. "Mel Gibson shows the violence of the events so realistically that some will not be able to look, and will leave, believe me. But many will stay, and will gradually realise the whole truth." "In a world in which pretty much everyone is at each others' throats, this film has a good and very up-to-date message, one of faith, hope, love and forgiveness which will touch people very profoundly, and change them," says Gibson.