The McGrath Institute for Church Life is pleased to continue its partnership with the University of Notre Dame’s Department of Theology with the release of a new original short film about a transformative pilgrimage to Rome.
The film follows four Notre Dame undergraduate students as they reflect on their pilgrimage to Rome and the Take a Second Look program that catalyzed the journey. Anchored by heartfelt testimonies and stunning visuals from the heart of the Church, the narrative explores how deep theological engagement and personal encounter intertwine to reinforce one another.
Featured in the film are Joshua McManaway of the McGrath Institute and Anthony Pagliarini of the Department of Theology, who lead the Take a Second Look initiative alongside Fr. Kevin Grove, C.S.C. Together, they discuss the origins of the program and the enduring impact of hands-on, place-based theological formation.
"Our goal for this class and pilgrimage was to show students that a Notre Dame Theology degree is both a gift and a responsibility,” said Joshua McManaway, Ph.D., academic director of the Take a Second Look program. “In Rome, they saw firsthand how God uses individual gifts to build up the Church—and were inspired to consider how He might use theirs."
This film was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Bea family, dedicated members of the McGrath Institute of Church Life’s Advisory Council. Its release marks the latest milestone in a series of narrative media projects, directly building on the success of recent short films like Miracle at the Grotto and Mary, Icon of the Church.
“This film is a beautiful emblem of the relational focus that permeates our work,” said Noah Bradon, M.A., executive producer at the McGrath Institute. “The students’ experience highlights how personal accompaniment and intellectual formation complement and fuel each other. I’m very grateful to the Bea family for supporting this project.”
Take a Second Look is available to stream now on YouTube.