‘In Thy Name’ features martyred Filipino priest on road to sainthood

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The McCoy de Leon-starrer honors Claretian priest Father Rhoel Gallardo, who died at the hands of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group in 2000

MANILA, Philippines – Nearly 25 years ago, the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group kidnapped Claretian priest Father Rhoel Gallardo, four teachers, and 22 students of Claret School of Tumahubong in Sumisip, Basilan.

On May 3, 2000, after 43 days in captivity, Gallardo was killed and found with at least three gunshot wounds. The nails of his toes and index fingers had also been pulled out.  

His captors reportedly asked him to renounce his Catholic faith, but Gallardo refused.

Gallardo, who died at the age of 34, is now being proposed for Catholic sainthood — and is the subject of a new movie that premiered on Ash Wednesday, March 5.

In Thy Name, starring McCoy de Leon and produced by Viva Films, is the story of Gallardo’s sufferings at the hands of the Abu Sayyaf in 2000. The Ceasar Soriano film is screening in at least 140 cinemas nationwide, according to Viva Films.

Religious leaders said In Thy Name can inspire young Catholics to imitate Gallardo, whose cause for sainthood was opened in 2021 and whose 25th death anniversary will be celebrated on May 3.

“In some sense, it helps promote the cause of Father Rhoel because he is considered a martyr of peace, and he’s young, so it could possibly inspire some young people to dedicate their lives to building peace in our country,” said Cubao Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr., former provincial superior of the Filipino Claretians, in an interview with Rappler on Saturday, March 8.

Ayuban said retelling Gallardo’s life is important at a time “when… we need to promote communion among different faiths” and “when young missionaries are afraid to go to challenging missions.” The martyred priest “could be a good role model,” the bishop said.

Gallardo’s life, he said, can also inspire “martyrdom” in everyday life — “the way we embrace the challenges we face day by day, without any rancor, without any bitterness.” 

“We can learn a lot from Rhoel. He never complained. He embraced the cross and never abandoned those who were entrusted to his care — the teachers, the young children, and the other captives,” Ayuban said.

Father Amador Tumbaga, current provincial superior of the Filipino Claretians, said that In Thy Name “is not an ordinary film” but “is a prayer, because it’s the story of God’s love.”

It is a timely movie for the season of Lent, Tumbaga said in a Mass during the premiere night on Tuesday, March 4.  “I’m inviting you to be in a prayerful disposition when you watch the film.” 

“I think this is not a popcorn movie, when you go to the moviehouse to relax and be entertained,” he added. “But this movie will bring you a different dimension. This movie will bring you to your heart, inside your heart.” – Rappler.com