One Hundred Years a Parish is a heartwarming and illuminating documentary film from Germantown Films that tells the rich and varied history of one Philadelphia parish across the span of a century. Drawing on a wealth of archival materials, personal interviews, and historical research, the film traces the evolution of the St. Thomas Aquinas parish from its humble beginnings in the early 20th century to its current status as a vibrant and thriving center of Catholic faith and community.
The film begins by exploring the origins of the parish, which was founded in 1911 by a small group of Irish immigrants seeking a spiritual home in their new country. The filmmakers use vintage photographs, newspaper clippings, and other primary sources to vividly recreate the early years of the church, from the construction of the first building to the arrival of the first pastor.
As the decades pass and the community grows, One Hundred Years a Parish delves into the key events that shaped the parish's history, from the Great Depression and World War II to the Civil Rights Movement and the challenges of the modern era. Through the voices of current and former parishioners, as well as archival footage and photographs, the film captures the joy and struggles of everyday life in this tight-knit community, from the celebrations of holidays and weddings to the solemnity of funerals and other rites of passage.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is the way in which it weaves together personal narratives with broader historical events. By focusing on the experiences of individual parishioners over the course of a hundred years, the filmmakers are able to illuminate the larger social, cultural, and political trends that were unfolding all around them. We see how the Catholic Church's role in American society changed over time, from its early status as a marginalized minority to its later emergence as a powerful force for social justice and progressive change.
Another major theme that emerges from the film is the way in which the parish served as a source of comfort and support for generations of Philadelphia families. For many of the older parishioners interviewed in the film, St. Thomas Aquinas was not just a place of worship, but a true home away from home, where they could find friendship, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging. Even as the community faced challenges like declining membership and financial instability over the years, the film shows how the core values of faith and community continued to sustain its members and keep them connected to one another.
Throughout One Hundred Years a Parish, the filmmakers make excellent use of a variety of cinematic techniques to bring the story to life. From sweeping aerial shots of the neighborhood to intimate portraits of individual parishioners, the film constantly shifts its focus to capture the many different facets of this fascinating community. At times, the filmmakers also employ more experimental techniques, such as slow-motion footage, split-screen displays, and other visual flourishes, to convey the emotions and sensations of particular moments in the parish's history.
Ultimately, what makes One Hundred Years a Parish such a powerful and moving film is the way in which it celebrates the incredible resilience and diversity of the American Catholic community. By shining a light on the struggles and triumphs of this one parish over the course of a century, the film reminds us of the countless other untold stories of faith, hope, and perseverance that are scattered throughout our country's history. Whether you are a devout Catholic or simply someone who appreciates great storytelling, this film is sure to capture your heart and your imagination.
One Hundred Years a Parish is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between January 1, 2007 and on Germantown Films
