Watched Spotlight last night. Dark material but recent history and a very inspiring story that reminds about the importance of personal integrity and diligence in standing up to systemic injustice and abuse of power. Fantastic performances by a great ensemble cast.
Spotlight, from writer-director Tom McCarthy, focuses on the Boston Globe’s groundbreaking 2002 series on the widespread sexual abuse committed by priests that scarred generations of New England Catholics. It is a story that one member of the Vatican’s commission knows well: Cardinal Seán O’Malley, who was chosen to lead the Boston Archdiocese after the Globe’s massive exposé, was appointed by Pope Francis to head the Vatican’s commission. Vatican Radio has praised the movie. Here is a direct video link.
This month Spotlight was screened for the Vatican commission on sex abuse, composed of priests and abuse survivors assembled in Rome to find ways to prevent the type of crimes depicted in the film. Getting truth out in the open is a huge step necessary for healing and improvement.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead
