How I Was Able To Connect With Others While Discovering Old Friends From Across The Country For The First Time On The FABIOLA Scene Set

The Bowens got back to me right away and there ensued a correspondence through emails, phone calls, and Skype and Zoom conferences.

I also looked to see if they had accounts with any social media that I was using. I found Kathleen on LinkedIn and Mary on Instagram. I started following them and sharing their posts. (Follow them on these platforms if you can. It is a great way to connect with others, especially Catholic moviemakers.)

In November, we did a virtual read-through of the script and I got to meet the Bowen family, the other actors on the call and read Lucina’s lines.

Fast forward to March, they were making concrete plans to film the pilot scene that would involve three of the main characters. I got an email inviting the actors and contributors to the filming. I really wanted to connect with others who were making these Catholic films.

Right away, I told them that I would like to come out, but I would have to see about making arrangements. It wasn’t easy, but in the end it all worked out. My niece, Bella, came from MO to stay with my 3 younger children while I was away so that my husband wouldn’t have to take off from work.

Another friend from church came to the rescue and entertained the kids for 2 of the days to keep them busy and occupied, giving Bella a break and keeping the kids from missing me too much.

READ: Join The Adventure Of This Timely Tale Of The Catacombs As It Comes To Life On The Big Screen

Meeting everyone *in real life* was a wonderful experience, the chance of a lifetime. I am so grateful to them for inviting us to be along for it and so grateful for my husband being gracious enough to agree to me going out West for a week. When you connect with others who have similar values and beliefs, it’s so refreshing; it’s good for the soul.

There’s a song by James Taylor that says, “You can’t make old friends...” but we were old friends right away.

-Instant friends, just add water-

In other words, just put a group of traditionally minded Catholics together and there are instant
friendships. I also want to take a moment to thank the Bowen family for their hospitality. They treated us really well while we were there and made everything seamless. That’s what brought to mind the quote above from John 13:35. “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another.”

The Bowen family showed us the love of Christ and for this, we are grateful.

As a mother of 4, Laura Ruth is passionate about promoting wholesome entertainment through literature and film. Laura has generously contributed to Industrious Family as head of public relations for the company.