Described by Pope John Paul II as “mother of the homeless” and “a woman with a heart of fire,” the story of Blessed Petra of St. Joseph is being brought to life in a new film.
She is a great woman who spares no sacrifice in her eagerness to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, the poor and the helpless of this world.
PABLO MORENO
Director, The Missionary of St. Joseph
I think that a film, in this case, helps to make this figure known and that knowing her can lead to a certain sense of devotion. And I think that reading the life of Petra de San José in difficult moments of your life—like during the pandemic—can be very helpful.
The film, which was made during the pandemic, tells the story of a young woman from southern Spain who felt called to give her life to God rather than entering an arranged marriage. She dedicated her life to helping the underprivileged. Her love for the poor led her to found the Congregation of Mothers of the Forsaken and St. Joseph of the Mountain.
MARIAN ARAHUETES
Leading Actress, The Missionary of St. Joseph
First, there were shelters, an NGO, and then, with time, they realized that they could achieve more as a congregation. And, at that time, in order to be a free woman, you had to be a nun. As a married woman, you didn't have that liberty, and what she wanted was to be free, to be able to make her own decisions, to be in charge of her own life. That still happens today and it is very interesting because we tend not to think that is the case.
Moreno believes the core of the congregation's charism is “to give dignity back to those who have lost it.” Today, the congregation helps nine Spanish cities most in need
PABLO MORENO
Director
What impresses you is what they have there: the apartments and homes that they have for children who have suffered domestic violence, who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, who have been left alone. To them, these mothers are their mothers. It is interesting because they are not sisters; they are mothers from the moment they meet.
The film, entitled Petra de San José, will premiere in Mexico, Peru, Colombia and the United States in the coming months.
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