A dad named Anthony from CA called in with a totally valid Catholic Dad Dilemma:
“My nine-year-old daughter is an altar server, loves Jesus, and asked if she could watch The Passion of the Christ. I’ve seen it, and… uh… not sure if I’m ready for her to see it.”
Patrick’s take: “I think that’s wise.” 👏
Here’s why:
That scourging scene is so intense… even for adults.
Patrick literally said he had to close his eyes when he saw it, and he was a full-grown man in his 40s at the time.
So yeah, if it was intense for him, imagine what it’d do to a nine-year-old’s heart and brain. 🧠💔
But don’t worry: he didn’t just say “no”. He gave a solid alternative that still honors your kiddo’s hunger to know and love Jesus more:
Watch This Instead: Jesus of Nazareth (1977)
Directed by Franco Zeffirelli 🎬
6-hour miniseries that’s basically the gold standard for respectful, beautiful portrayals of Christ’s life. Patrick calls it the best version he’s ever seen. Still reverent, but age-appropriate for kids 🙏
Patrick shared that he and his wife showed Jesus of Nazareth to their own kids over the years; yes, even nine-year-olds can generally handle it.
Final Thoughts from Patrick:
👨👧 You’re the dad; you know your child best.
🕊️ Protecting her innocence and heart is exactly the right move.
✝️ There are ways to show her Jesus’ love and sacrifice without traumatizing her with Hollywood-grade intensity.
So… good on you, Anthony. You’re doing the Catholic Dad thing right.
Want a version of The Passion she can understand now? Try reading the Gospels together or even acting out parts of the story during Holy Week. Little hearts can hold big love for Jesus; they just don’t need all the blood and cinematic trauma yet. ❤️🔥
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