Nazareth Academy to Host Midwest Premiere of New Documentary

Thinking about the universe can be mind boggling—the size, the blackness, the unknown of what it out there. But for a new documentary film that will hold its Midwest premiere at Nazareth Academy on Saturday, it's the key to understanding everything about who we are.

After screenings at Yale and New York University, the film comes to La Grange for a special show at Nazareth Academy, sponsored by The Well Spirituality Center, located at the Congregation of St. Joseph. 

For Bridget Sperduto, program coordinator at The Well, the story in the film runs parallel to the mission of her work.

"The mission of The Well is the help further the understanding of the universe," Sperduto said. "So, it goes quite well with what we're trying to do."

Sperduto said that when she saw the trailer for the film, its story of the creation of the universe spoke to her.

"I saw the trailer for this movie about three years ago," Sperduto said. "I knew it was going to be an important film."

At the same time, she said, it's a story everyone can have a connection with.

"It tells the story of the universe in a way that also talks about what it means to be human," she said. "It's the story of creation—our one common story. In every culture there is a creation story and we all share that."

And so, Sperduto set out to work to bring the film to La Grange.

Journey of the Universe is a documentary film by author and evolutionary philosopher Brian Thomas Swimme and religious historian Mary Evelyn Tucker. Together, they have created a film full of "big picture" picture issues that compares the complexity of the universe to the complexity of all life—and how important our role as humans is in the interconnectedness of all things.

The film, which is shot in high definition, is rich in thought and in beauty, Sperduto said. Because it is the Midwest premiere of the film, she added that the auditorium will likely be packed, with people driving for hours to attend.

Tickets, which are $10, are limited, but still available, Sperduto said. 

To register, email thewell@csjoseph.org, call 708-482-5039 or visit www.csjthewell.org and click the registration tab.