“Salt + Light was granted a very rare privilege,” said Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB, CEO of Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation. “It’s not every day that a monastery opens its doors to the public. ‘This Side of Eden’ is a real feast for the senses, offering a wonderful opportunity to outsiders to enter the unique world of ‘ora et labora’ - prayer and work, of the Benedictine community at Mission, BC.”
Whether it is harrowing a field, teaching students, serving at a table or making preparations for the Triduum, viewers will experience how ordinary moments become extraordinary, and how the routine and daily work of these sons of Benedict flow from the liturgy that lies at the heart of Benedictine life.
“Arriving at the Abbey and walking around the grounds one is struck by the calm and tranquility,” said co-director, Matthew Harrison. “Part of the peace is the beautiful surroundings. Wherever you turn, you are continually reminded of God's magnificent creation.”
The film, which features the beautiful chants and music from the Abbey and is shot entirely in High-Definition, will
premiere on Salt + Light on Palm Sunday, April 17 at 8:30pm ET and 9:30pm PT.
This Side of Eden was produced thanks to a sponsorship by the Hilary M. Weston Foundation for Youth, St. Joseph Communications and the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus. It is available for purchase ($19.95) at the Salt + Light Online Store,
saltandlighttv.org/shop, or by phoning 1-888-302-7181.