#United States #Garden Grove #Our Lady of La Vang #Diocese of Orange #OLLV Foundation

Documentary Highlights Our Lady of La Vang

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, in partnership with the OLLV Foundation, is excited to announce the premiere of a new documentary titled "Our Lady at the Center." This film delves deep into the story of the Our Lady of La Vang apparition that occurred in 1798 in Vietnam, as well as the remarkable shrine dedicated to her at Christ Cathedral.

A Global Journey

The documentary showcases a vast narrative woven through four different countries and languages, featuring countless testimonies that reflect the deep reverence and love surrounding Our Lady of La Vang. The film not only recounts her origins—emerging from the struggles of the Vietnamese people during a time of persecution—but also illustrates her evolution into an icon honored worldwide.

The Making of a Shrine

In parallel, the film chronicles the journey to create the Our Lady of La Vang Shrine at Christ Cathedral. This monumental task included overcoming challenges, such as sourcing the perfect marble for the impressive 18-foot statue of the Virgin Mary. The dedication of this shrine drew an incredible audience of 8,000, showcasing how the project has been a unifying focal point for the local diasporic community.

Unique Features

Audiences will discover the Marian Gardens associated with the shrine, touted as a one-of-a-kind experience in the United States. These gardens provide a serene environment for reflection and connection with the sacred, further enriching the film's narrative.

Premiere Details

The documentary will debut in two separate screenings: the first on May 11 at the Freed Theater located on the Christ Cathedral campus in Garden Grove, California, and the second on May 17 at the Saigon Grand Center in Fountain Valley. Tickets, trailers, and detailed information are available at OurLadyAtTheCenter.com. Following these premieres, additional screenings are expected to be scheduled both locally and nationwide.

A Passionate Team

Under the guidance of executive producer Elysabeth Nguyen, CEO of the OLLV Foundation, the film represents a collaborative effort over two years in the making. Scott Q Nguyen, an acclaimed filmmaker, serves as producer, while the film's cinematography comes from Christopher TL Tran, recognized for his previous work by the Catholic Media Association.

Nguyen reflects on her journey, stating, “Sometimes we get called to do something and we say yes, despite not knowing where it will lead us... I am deeply thankful to all who have made this film happen, with special gratitude to Bishop Kevin Vann, shepherd of our diocese.”

Bradley Zint, who has written and directed the film, holds a pivotal role within the Diocese of Orange as the assistant director of communications. He expresses his excitement about showcasing the incredible narratives of faith, joy, and miracles that resonate throughout the film, stating, "It has been a rewarding journey... I hope that all who watch this film will be inspired."

Previous Productions

This isn't the first documentary produced through the creative teams at the Diocese of Orange. Their previous works include "Hazel is Back Restoring an Icon," centered around the restoration of Christ Cathedral's renowned organ, and the critically acclaimed "Jesus Thirsts The Miracle of the Eucharist," which explored profound themes related to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

About the Diocese and OLLV Foundation

With a vibrant community of 1.3 million Catholics, the Diocese of Orange stands as one of the U.S.’s most diverse faith communities, committed to fostering an active life of faith. The OLLV Foundation, established in late 2022, aims to support the legacy of the Our Lady of La Vang Shrine and strengthen ties within the Vietnamese-American community.

As anticipation builds for the upcoming premieres, many are expectant of the moving depictions Sure to resonate with viewers, evoking the shared faith and resilience of the Catholic community worldwide.