A Cinematic Prayer for the Body of Christ

A Cinematic Prayer for the Body of Christ

By Marge Hynes, Writer

In prayer, most of us naturally turn to the Father and the Son. We talk to God. We talk to Jesus. But are we as intentional about the Holy Spirit?

The Church is clear: “We do not confess three gods, but one God in three persons” (CCC 253).

So how often do we actually live that reality, inviting Him in, depending on Him, letting Him lead?

The Lord’s command is simple: “Be holy, for I am holy.” Holiness doesn’t isolate us; it draws us into deeper communion, first with God, and then with each other.

And this is where That They May Be One enters the conversation.

Quick Details

Directed by Dan Johnson (4PM Media), the film is a two-day theatrical event featuring:

• Dr. Mary Healy (Associate Producer & Contributor)
• Francis Chan (Evangelist)
• Fr. Mathias Thelen (Encounter Ministries)
• Pastor James Ward (INSIGHT Church)
• Dcn. Ralph Poyo (New Evangelization Ministries)
• Dr. David Cole (Pentecostal-Vatican Dialogue)

Produced by Flourish Your Faith Films and Fathom Entertainment, the film combines documentary interviews with dramatic reenactments of Church history.

The Fiat Behind the Camera

A deeper layer to this film comes through an interview that our Lead Editor had with Adriana Gonzales, executive director and central on-screen voice of the documentary. 

Adriana, who founded Flourish Your Faith Ministries with her husband, Manny, is candid that she originally resisted being on camera. Speaking of herself and Manny, Andrea said that she thinks neither of them “had any real desire to be the ones on film. And I’ll be honest with you, for me it was rooted in fear, to be honest, just in fear.”

But that fear began to shift in prayer. Before a key meeting connected to the film, she was also discerning a separate speaking opportunity. She described a moment of clarity regarding her role, where she had received a message in prayer: “yes, I want you to speak.” 

In the meeting, Dan Johnson shared that they were discerning the need for narrative “protagonists” to carry the documentary forward. He suggested Adriana and her husband step into that role. Even with that confirmation, she describes a moment of interior crisis: “I woke up in the middle of the night, gripped with fear . . . oh Lord, I cannot do this.” The breakthrough came during an Encounter School session when someone spoke directly into her struggle. “God has called you to boldness,” they said “God has called you to speak and to proclaim.”

Adriana also reflected on Jesus in the Upper Room, referencing John 17:21:

“He knew exactly what was going to happen to him in the next hours, in the next day . . . With that in mind, he prays this prayer four times, ‘that they may all be one.’”

This verse anchors the entire film. That They May Be One becomes an invitation back to the Upper Room, and to the heart of Christ who prayed for unity even in the face of the cross.

From Lucca to Azusa Street:
A History of the Spirit

The film moves through moments in Church history and different Christian traditions, tracing the work of the Holy Spirit across time.

The Catholic Church teaches that the fullness of the means of salvation subsists in her, while also recognizing that “many elements of sanctification and of truth are found outside its visible confines” (CCC 819). As Jesus says, “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes” (John 3:8).

A Heart for the Whole Body

As I watched the film, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own experience as a praise and worship musician. Standing between Catholic and Protestant spaces, what becomes undeniable is that love for Jesus is real on both sides.

That raises questions the film presses forward:

How do we love across those differences? How do we help one another move closer to Christ?

The Church itself names this urgency. Unitatis redintegratio describes the restoration of unity as a “principal concern” of the Church. Adriana, reflecting on the obstacle to that unity, turns inward:

“I think our own flesh is the biggest obstacle. I love St. Thérèse. And when she talks about self-forgetfulness and love, and I asked the Father, give me that same gift. I want that self-forgetfulness and love. I think that that is a path to unity.”

Into the Upper Room

If you are weary of division among Christians, this film speaks into a shared longing for unity in Christ. It’s worth every Christian’s time. 

That They May Be One is in theaters May 19–20, 2026, only. The release coincides with the Pentecost Novena and includes a 10-day audio prayer journey featuring voices like Fr. Dave Pivonka and Dr. Mary Healy. You can learn more about that here.

Watch the trailer below and visit thattheymaybeonefilm.com to get tickets.
Photos courtesy Flourish Your Faith Films.

Holy Spirit, make us one.

---

With over eight years of experience and a Bachelor’s in Creative Writing, Marge Hynes is a dynamic writer whose portfolio spans SEO-driven copywriting, journalism, and marketing—a versatile skill set that allows her to craft compelling content for Paloma & Fig’s projects.

Marge’s Catholic faith serves as the cornerstone of her work. She approaches storytelling with thoughtfulness and a deep appreciation for the Lord’s own creative power. Her love of the written word shines through in every project, helping clients articulate their message with clarity, heart, and purpose.

When she’s not writing, Marge can be found leading praise and worship, diving into theological books, or exploring the great outdoors with her loyal dog, Augustine (Auggie for short).