How each one of us can make a difference

Sep 10, 2016

By Catherine Dhairianathan
About 20 students from the ages of 13 to 14 of the Parish Of Our Lady of Fatima were treated to a movie as part of their religious formation.

The title of the movie screened was The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, based on the book by John Boyne. It is a fictional movie set during the 2nd world war and tells the story of the friendship between the son of the concentration camp commandant and one of the children in the camp. Bruno, the commandant’s son, and Shmuel the boy in the striped pajamas, are both eight years old.

After the screening of the movie, which was watched in utter silence by the children, a lively discussion ensued. Questions were posed by the teachers. The children were asked to reflect on the relationship, betrayal, forgiveness and sacrifice of the two main characters. A brief explanation of the holocaust and what happened was shared by the teachers. (The movie only implies but no violence is shown).

Some of the poignant scenes in the movie were highlighted, such as Bruno’s betrayal of Shmuel in front of one of the German officers which was reminiscent of the denial of Christ by Peter. By distancing himself from Shmuel because he is afraid of the consequences of associating with the boy, Bruno contributes to Shmuel’s punishment for a crime he did not commit: stealing food.

Bruno is ashamed of himself, but does not take action to right the wrong. When Shmuel finally returns to meet him at the fence of the camp his face is covered in bruises, Bruno apologizes, and without hesitation Shmuel extends his hand though the barbed wire as a sign of forgiveness.

Scenes such as these struck a cord with the students and emphasized the need to forgive every wrong, readily.

When asked to comment on the movie, some said they found it interesting, something different from what they usually watch and some found it informative. They were able to identify some of the beatitudes, though most often, the movie had lots of opportunities where the beatitudes could be practised but were not. Why the beatitudes?

The beatitudes are central to the Catholic faith.

They are intended to guide our behaviour and show how we should lead our lives, following the teachings of Jesus.

Before the start of the movie, posters on the beatitudes were put up around the room to remind the students and to make it easier to identify them in the movie.

After the movie, the children were given a short break for snacks and a chance to mingle before they dispersed at 12.30pm.