Mother Teresa (Juliet Stevenson) holds a young girl’s hands in a production still from the movie
In partnership with Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Donnelly co-presented a special pre-release screening of “The Letters,” a drama about the life of Mother Teresa as seen through letters written to and from her longtime friend and spiritual advisor over a 40-year period.
In addition to showing before the film opened nationwide, this screening featured a Q&A with the film’s director, William Riead. Some guests also chose to enjoy a benefactor reception prior to the screening, featuring an intimate cocktail hour with Riead.
Riead spoke to his inspiration for writing and directing the film, noting that he felt called to bring this story to life after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
“I was trying to think: What would represent the polar opposite of 9/11 evil?” he said. “What would represent good? And I thought: Mother Teresa. She was the beacon of good.”
“The Letters” opened in theaters nationally on December 4. For more information on the film, see www.thelettersmovie.com.