Across, the short film about the boyhood of America’s first black priest, will be shown to the public at Nashville’s Catholic Pastoral Center on February 17. Admission is FREE. The screening, which begins at 2pm, is part of the diocese’s commemoration of Black History Month, and will feature a discussion panel following the film. Deacon William Hill, an expert on the history of Catholicism in the black community of Middle Tennessee, will be joined on the panel by the movie’s director, Christopher Foley. and lead actress, Nina Hibbler-Webster.
Joan Watson, the event’s organizer, feels that the story of Father Tolton - who suffered persecution for both his race and his religion - is a beacon in the long Civil Rights struggle in America. In Rome, Tolton’s cause for sainthood has advanced through the first few stages. There is a strong possibility that he will be named ‘Venerable’ this calendar year.
Across has already picked up a number of laurels at film festivals. It was filmed in the Nashville area, and features a talented cast, headlined by Hibber-Webster as Martha Tolton and Jaylon Gordon as young Gus Tolton.
Guests are encourage to RSVP on the facebook event page.
