“Message of Hope” is a wonderful film that shows that being “different” can be good. Sarah Matriciano (played by Mickele Hogan) is a caring girl, who was influenced by Pastor Anne when she was a youth to make good choices to help people. When Sarah has extra money, she often helps a homeless man named Mr. Henshaw (Len O’ Sullivan), instead of shopping at the mall with her mother. In fact, much to her mother’s chagrin, she doesn’t even enjoy shopping. Sarah’s mom is all about fashion and money, and her father is all about pulling one’s own weight, not realizing that some good people can get into jams in life. In fact, when one homeless man approaches Mr. Matriciano (Matt Nicholas) for help, he puts the ashes from his cigarette in the man’s cup.
Sarah has been growing apart from her friends for awhile, including her closest friend, John Romanelli (Sean Tivenen). John calls Sarah “Bear,” for Teddy Bear, and has for years. But when John sees Sarah grasping to fit in while retaining her Christian compassion, it moves him to write an article that touches a lot of lives, and it’s subsequently published in a magazine. Sarah’s compassion for others becomes something to be admired, even by her own parents.
We are delighted to award “Message of Hope” our Faith Friendly Seal for ages twelve-plus. This film gives the viewer exactly what the title describes–a message of hope!
