TV Documentary Maker Looks Ahead to Bath Visit

29 August 2010

As we continue to focus very clearly on the Holy Father’s forthcoming historic visit, we hear from Mark Dowd, the award-winning producer who’s made the BBC’s documentary on Pope Benedict XVI.  Mark’s coming to Bath for a special event on the Friday (10 September) prior to the Pope’s arrival.

Mark told cliftondiocese.com: “Pope Benedict has many doubters, but I wonder how many of those have actually sat down to read his books and his speeches? This is a Pope of many surprises and I look forward to sharing a few of the things I have learnt this year on my visits to his homeland of Bavaria to the Vatican.”

Father Christopher Whitehead, the Clifton Diocese Director of Adult Education and Evangelisation, organised the event.  He said: “Come and find out more about Pope Benedict - the man and his vision.  Award-winning TV documentary maker Mark Dowd will share his understanding of the Holy Father’s vision for our world.  All are welcome to this free event which takes places on the Friday (10 September) prior to Pope’s arrival.

“We begin at 7.00 pm in the wonderful surroundings of St John the Evangelist parish in the heart of Bath, and will conclude at 9.00 pm.  Mark will talk with us about his making of the BBC’s portrait of Pope Benedict XVI.  He will explain how his appreciation of the Holy Father’s teaching grew as he studied and researched for the programme.  Mark will then take questions from the floor and they’ll even be time for a chat and a drink as we all look forward to such an exciting time in the spiritual life of our countries.

“There’s no need to book for this event - just come along on the evening.  It’s open to all.  St John’s is a two minute walk from Bath Spa train station and is even closer to Bath’s new bus station so getting to this convivial Friday night event is easy.  Parking is also available.”

St John’s Parish Hall is on South Parade, Bath BA2 4AF. 

We look forward to welcoming Pope Benedict who comes to help us, as a society, to see that faith in God is not so much a problem to be solved as a gift to be discovered afresh.

The papal visit begins for our diocese on the eve of the Holy Father’s historic visit to the United Kingdom.  A special evening of prayers will take place in the Cathedral led by Bishop Declan and Bishop Tom Burns of Menevia, we will join together and pray that the papal visit lights up the heart of our nation.  All are welcome to take part from 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm on Wednesday 15 September.  You can find out much more about this unique celebration by listening to our 'Taper Tales' podcast series preseneted by Father Jason Jones, the ector of the National Shrine of Wales.

The official website thepapalvisit.org.uk is the best place to find out the most up-to-date information in the build up to the special time in the life of the Church in our countries.  It will also provide full coverage during the visit - a great place for you to follow the visit virtually if you are unable to be at any of the large public papal events.

You can also make your donation towards the visit at the official website.  It's simple, secure and direct.

Sign-up to the e-alert packed with the latest news about the Holy Father’s historic visit.

Our striking posters, displayed in all our parishes and many other places, welcoming Pope Benedict XVI to the United Kingdom are available to all.  You can download your copy in the multimedia panel on the right and put them up to welcome the Holy Father and his historic visit.  You can also download posters promoting the events in Bath and the Cathedral.