Veronica DiPippo and Marc Aramian, Hollywood filmmakers turned Chattanooga locals, are using their skill and passion to shed light on a greater purpose with their new film Father Ryan: A Higher Call. This award-nominated docudrama follows the heroic story of local legend, Father Patrick Ryan – who served as pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Parish from 1872 to 1878. Highlighting his self sacrifice and generosity the new film brings to life his holy contributions to support ongoing efforts to pursue a cause for his official sainthood.
The film premieres Saturday, April 15, at Notre Dame High School, 2701 Vermont Ave.
Review for Father Ryan: A Higher Call
Father Patrick Ryan is locally recognized and remembered for his work comforting and caring for Chattanooga victims of the yellow fever epidemic of 1878 which took his own life on Sept. 28, 1878.
Staff at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul have been working with Vatican officials to pursue his sainthood for his work as a servant of God; a four-step process that began in 2016. The film serves as an important addition to the many efforts already put forth by the parish to petition Father Ryan for sainthood.
“All of us at The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Chattanooga are thrilled to be a part of bringing this film to a broad audience," said officials. "This film showcases the incredible heroic life that Father Patrick Ryan lived and the impact his life had on our community. His cause fits into the broader call to holiness that we all have and he inspires us to true, Christ-like charity. Having a hero who lived in our own city in the not-too-distant past exemplifies that this call to holiness is not beyond our own reach."
There will be a VIP Champagne Reception with the film's cast and crew at 6:30 p.m. on April 15. Tickets are $20, or two for $30. General admission for the premier is at 7 p.m. and tickets are $5. The film screening will begin at 7:30 p.m. and followed by Q&A with filmmakers, local historians and members of the parish. Tickets can be reserved via the Eventbrite link and are for sale at the Ombrellino Gift Shop during the time between 9:30 and 11 a.m. mass.
To learn more about more about Father Ryan and the Cause for his Canonization at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, click here.