SEATTLE, November 19, 2024 – Castletown Media is excited to announce that the National Eucharistic Congress, Inc. and the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame have become official partners of Roadmap to Reality: Carlo Acutis and Our Digital Age. The documentary film explores the life of the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint, Carlo Acutis.
"We are thrilled to welcome these two exceptional partners," said Tim Moriarty, CEO and Founder of Castletown Media and director of the film. "Inspired by Blessed Carlo, the National Eucharistic Revival is reigniting Catholics' belief in the Real Presence, fueling a renewed passion for a deeper relationship with Christ. The McGrath Institute brings profound insights into the challenges the digital age poses for Catholic families today. With these collaborations, we're poised to deepen the impact of our film, inspiring Catholics to embrace the challenges of the digital age with faith and wisdom." Moriarty concluded.
"Carlo's message is clearly resonating with people from all walks of life," said producer Jim Wahlberg. "Through partnerships with organizations focused on evangelization and education, we aim to present Carlo as a guide for navigating the digital world."
The announcement comes after Roadmap to Reality’s producers and newly announced partners presented a special preview of the film at the Plenary Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore on November 11. Bishops had the opportunity to learn about the new partnership and the resources being developed for the initiative and to watch parts of the film.
Following the 10th National Eucharistic Congress, the National Eucharistic Congess, Inc. has become a partner of Roadmap to Reality, seeing the film as a preeminent contribution to its mission of rekindling faith and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament nationwide.
"Soon-to-be Saint Carlo Acutis is a modern apostle who can inspire young people to discover the incredible gift of the Eucharist," said Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota, chair of the National Eucharistic Revival who appears in the film. "Carlo is the model for the kind of Eucharistic missionary we, as bishops, hope every Catholic will become through the Eucharistic Revival."
Jason Shanks, President of the National Eucharistic Congress Inc., signaled his strong commitment to the partnership: "As we continue to inspire a Eucharistic movement of Catholics across the United States, we see Roadmap to Reality as a major initiative during this year of missionary sending. Whom better than Blessed Carlos to teach us how to draw closer to Jesus in the Eucharist and to draw others to do the same."
By becoming an official partner of Roadmap to Reality, the McGrath Institute for Church Life is lending its expertise to the film's production and developing educational materials for parishes and schools based on themes found in the documentary. These resources will help families navigate the digital world through the lens of the Church.
Brett Robinson, associate director for outreach at the McGrath Institute, said, "The Church must address the deep challenges digital technology presents to personal freedom. Many young people are trapped in phone addiction, and the church has an opportunity to lead by fostering true human connection and spiritual freedom beyond the devices causing harm. Roadmap to Reality provides a model in the person of Carlo Acutis, who did not hide from technology but knew how to order it in a life that was governed first and foremost by a deep devotion to our Lord."
"This film aligns perfectly with our mission," said Timothy P. O'Malley, director of education at the McGrath Institute. "It is an incredible opportunity for us to contribute resources that ensure this film not only reaches audiences in theaters but also becomes a key part of Catholic liturgical formation in the United States for years to come."
Moriarty emphasized the partnership's importance, saying, "Both the National Eucharistic Revival and the McGrath Institute see Roadmap to Reality as a crucial vehicle for discussing some of the most pressing issues of our day. Together, we are determined to ignite a movement that empowers Catholics to face the digital age with unwavering faith and a deeper connection to Christ."
Roadmap to Reality will be distributed to theaters nationwide in spring 2025. For updates, please visit CarloAcutisFilm.com.
This film is made possible through the generous support of the C3 Foundation in Beaumont, Texas.
About Castletown Media
Castletown Media is an award-winning film studio and communications agency. Through compelling storytelling, Castletown engages the mind, transforms the heart, and inspires the soul. The studio’s recent productions include Mother Teresa: No Greater Love, a Knights of Columbus film, and the top-grossing faith-based documentary of 2024, Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist.
For interviews, information, or other resources:
Stefan Slovak, Castletown Media
stefan@castletownmedia.com | 917-268-1085
