FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Life of British Columbia monks explored in new
Salt + Light documentary "This Side of Eden"

TORONTO, April 12, 2011 – Salt + Light, a leader in Catholic media, launched today This Side of Eden, a feature-length documentary that presents a poetic, compelling and richly intimate portrait of the Benedictine Monks of Mission, BC, in the days of Holy Week and the Easter Triduum. The documentary acts as a powerful portal into the world and rule of St. Benedict, Westminster Abbey (Mission, BC) and the special Holy Week liturgies that are celebrated by more than a billion Catholics on the planet.

“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 ‘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.

About Salt + Light
Salt + Light Television is an award-winning digital network that offers a variety of programs, event coverage, documentaries and other hope-filled content. Salt + Light is produced and operated by Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation, a charitable organization devoted to spreading the light of Christ to the world through television, documentaries, radio, Internet and other forms of social communication. Information visit saltandlighttv.org.

Media contact:
Christopher Ketelaars
[email protected]
(416) 892-1729

Daniel Torchia
[email protected]
(416) 971-5353