The Film
Testimonials
Cast & Crew
Testimonials
Cast & Crew
The Blood & the Rose is a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the profound connection between faith, history and art. A feature-length theatrical documentary, shot on location in Mexico and Spain, The Blood & The Rose offers riveting interviews with top experts in the fields of science, history, and theology, exploring the mystery of the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe left on the Tilma of Saint Juan Diego.
The film guides viewers on a captivating journey through time and across continents, seamlessly weaving historical narratives and artistic masterpieces into an engaging storyline. Its awe-inspiring scenes transport audiences to iconic sites, sacred locations, and timeless works of art, celebrating the enduring power of faith. Additionally, the documentary provides valuable educational insights into the intersection of religion, culture, and history.
An Important Invitation in 2024
More than just a story about a distant event, 2024 presents an invitation to embark upon a transformative journey to restore all things in Christ. So much has unraveled in our culture that was once held dear and to which is central for people of good will and vibrant communities – the family unit, responsible citizenship, and values and virtues at the center.
At this point in history, the Catholic Church stands on the verge of a culmination of significant anniversaries over the next decade – including the quincentennial anniversaries of the conversion of Saint Juan Diego and the appearances of Our Lady of Guadalupe. These and others, through 2033 – the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection – offer an extraordinary opportunity for people of Christian faith to engage – on a global scale – to revitalize the Church in living one’s faith and continue His mission to transform the world.
Film Synopsis
The journey commences with a special focus on Saint Juan Diego, in commemoration of his canonization on July 31st and the quincentennial of his conversion to the Catholic Faith, celebrated on Feast Day, December 9, 2024. These inaugural celebrations extend an invitation to individuals worldwide to acquaint themselves with and draw inspiration from his remarkable story – an ordinary man with extraordinary faith, providing a relatable and inspiring example for many. His unwavering dedication to the regular reception of the sacraments catalyzed the miraculous apparitions and the iconic imprint of Our Lady of Guadalupe on his Tilma – spurring the conversion of millions. This journey’s outset calls upon all Catholics to rededicate their lives to Christ and His Church through regular sacramental participation, thereby embarking on a transformative path toward greater holiness and spiritual enrichment for themselves, their families, and the Church.
As the journey unfolds, Saint Juan Diego introduces us to Our Lady of Guadalupe and the compelling narrative of her apparitions, the profound message she conveyed, and the multifaceted significance of the indelible image she left imprinted on his Tilma. This exploration leads to the celebration of her quincentennial anniversary on her Feast Day, December 12, 2031. An encounter with Our Lady of Guadalupe, to whom millions across the globe have great devotion, serves as a bridge to a deeper connection with her Son, Jesus Christ.
This restorative journey reaches its height on the occasion of the 2,000th anniversary of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, to be celebrated throughout the Easter Season in 2033.
The Blood & The Rose offers individuals, families, parish groups, school groups, and more the opportunity to begin the journey by acquainting themselves with the story, leading them to greater participation in their prayer lives, and in the sacraments, where they will encounter the Risen Lord through the intercession of the saints and His Blessed Mother who will lead them there.
“The Blood & The Rose is beautiful and very moving. I learned a lot. These are indeed rough times for the Church. We are being purified and our Blessed Mother will take care of us. The film will be a great source of inspiration for many.”
– Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless, Bishop of Sioux City, IA
“The Blood & The Rose reminded me of how beautifully our faith can be portrayed through the gift of media,” he said. “It was great to be able to go to a theater and think about our faith journey and the importance of becoming more spiritually involved in the Church.”
– Monsignor John Enzler, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington
“Parish groups and other religious organizations have little opportunity to be educated, entertained and inspired at the same time. The Blood & The Rose does all three, providing anyone serious in their faith an opportunity to discuss how this sacred image is really a lesson plan for God’s saving work. Its message is clear: We’re called to be simple, obedient, and trusting, just as Juan Diego, and when we become more like him, we can then do what he did; announce the Good News, with the aid of the Blessed Mother, bringing God’s beauty to this world.”
– Fr. Leo Patalinghug, Founder of Grace Before Meals and internationally known speaker
“I heartily recommend The Blood & The Rose and the “Spiritual Event” model developed by the film’s director, Tim Watkins, as a valuable contribution to the mission of the Church, an effective tool for the New Evangelization, and a unique fundraising opportunity for those engaged in the work of the apostolate. Not only did these events serve to reinvigorate the faith of the local community, inspiring a new generation of “messenger eagles” (Juan Diego’s birth name literally means, “The eagle who speaks”) to go forth to re-evangelize the culture, it also allowed us to raise much-needed funds for Project Rachel.”
– Most Reverend Michael J. Sheridan, Bishop of Colorado Springs
“Our The Blood & The Rose spiritual event went great, we received nothing but positive feedback, every single showing was well attended, and the audience was very thoroughly engaged. We had a large number of people stop us after the showing to thank us for hosting such a great movie. We sold out all of the DVDs we had ordered. We may be placing an order for more DVDs in the next few weeks. Overall, it was a great experience for me and our staff to support this movie and watch so many people share in the experience.”
– Andrew Gilliland, Event Host, Director of Parish Administration, St Anne Roman Catholic Parish Gilbert, AZ
“I saw this documentary film with my prayer group. The members of our group are very versed and well-read Catholics, and I heard comments that they were amazed (and so was I) at how much information they learned about Our Lady of Guadalupe. This is the only physical manifestation we have of a Marian apparition. ”
– Jan Mcclure, Editor at Good News Ministries
“I loved the story The Blood & The Rose paints.”
– Dr. Taylor Marshall, Prominent Catholic Author, Former Episcopal Priest
The Blood & The Rose – Faith
Timothy J. Watkins
Director
Eduardo Verastegui
Executive Producer/Narrator
Stephen McEveety
Executive Producer
Karyme Lozano
Voice of the Virgin of Guadalupe
Jose Heredia
Producer