Diocesan Resources
Talking Points for By the Grace of God film (2019)
Talking Points for By the Grace of God film
By the Grace of God is a French film, based on true events, that follows the story of a series of men all who have been abused by the same priest. The story chronicles victims who have fallen away from the faith, but highlights one, Alexandre, who has remained Catholic despite the abuse he suffered. The priest who abused Alexandre, has returned to the area where Alexandre and his family now live. Alexandre along with victims of the abusive priest ban together to make a case against him. The film was released on Friday, October 25th. The film is based on a continuously developing story of a priest in Lyon who has a decades-long record of abusing minors. He is set to face trial in 2020. The priest’s superior failed to report the abuse allegations against him to the proper authorities in the 2010s and is now under investigation as well.
The film is a reminder that all Catholics need to remain vigilant to ensure accountability. Also, a reminder that all people affected by the tragic reality of sexual abuse need our prayers. This is an opportunity to raise the awareness of continuous efforts to prevent child sexual abuse in the Church. The Church has made important strides to help ensure the protection of children.