A four-episode documentary series entitled “The Mysteries of Faith” has been broadcast on Netflix since November 1, 2023. It focuses on certain relics attributed to Christ throughout the world: the Crown of Thorns, the mythical Holy Grail, the Holy Cross and the shirt of Blessed Rosario Livatino. A series to avoid or watch?
On November 1, 2023, Netflix unveiled a new documentary series entitled “The Mysteries of Faith”. During four episodes of around forty minutes each, she focuses on three relics of Christ ( the Crown of Thorns , the Holy Grail , the Holy Cross ) and one less known in France: the shirt of Blessed Rosario Livatino . Each episode explains the origin of these relics through a short historical story then explains their spiritual power by collecting testimonies from believers. The goal ? Understand the place occupied by these relics in the Church and the Catholic faith. Interesting for a platform that mainly broadcasts entertainment content.
Touching testimonies
If there is a historical context for each of the relics, the documentary is neither an indictment nor a trial aimed at demonstrating the non-veracity and non-existence of the relics. Historical work is serious. But history buffs will no doubt be disappointed; They probably won’t learn much. In return, newbies will be able to easily discover the origin of these world relics.
The firefighters knew well that they were not just saving a building but something of the soul of Christianity
The real strength of this documentary actually lies in the spiritual testimonies. From Paris to Rome via Rio de Janeiro, each episode centers on one or two people who bear witness to the action of God in their lives through the veneration of relics. Like this priest from Rio de Janeiro who found his vocation while contemplating the wood of the Holy Cross. The documentary demonstrates with the strength of the testimonies the power of gathering relics. In 2019, when Notre-Dame was ravaged by flames , “the firefighters knew well that they were not simply saving a building but something of the soul of Christianity,” confided Father Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, rector of Notre-Dame. -Lady.
A good way to prepare for Holy Week
A happy coincidence of the calendar, Lent is undoubtedly a good time to watch this series, most of the relics presented are intimately linked to the Passion of Christ. Even if the bloody garment of Blessed Rosario Livatino seems irrelevant, such a relic nevertheless serves as a reminder that following Christ sometimes requires more than a material sacrifice.
By watching this documentary, it would in some way be a nice preparation for Holy Week. It’s certainly not the series of the year to absolutely watch, but at a time when religion is being shaken up, it’s good! And then, the French are still the holders of one of these world treasures: the Crown of Thorns! It is also possible to venerate this relic every Friday evening during Lent in the church of Saint Germain l’Auxerrois in Paris.
