It might sound strange to describe a documentary film as riveting and exhilarating, but that’s exactly how I found the new documentary on the life of Fr. Bob Bedard, CC, entitled “Permission,” to be. It’s not only a deep dive into the jovial priest, teacher, principal, coach, friend, speaker, die-hard Sens fan and founder of two religious congregations, but it also covers an important swath of Canadian Catholic history.

The great-hearted and tireless Robert J. Bedard was born in 1929 in Ottawa, grew up there, and was ordained for that diocese in 1955. He joyfully threw himself into his priestly life, and seemingly never said “no” to anything anyone asked of him. In the 1960’s, Fr. Bob did not wallow in denial about the crisis in faith, morality, church attendance, seminary enrollment, and the general decline of fervor and piety among average Catholics. Fr. Bob didn’t put stock in formulas or gimmicks—he turned to prayer. 

Some may pigeonhole the steps Father then took at his now well-known parish of St. Mary’s in the heart of Ottawa as: transforming it through implementing the Charismatic Renewal, but we could widen that  to explaining the dynamism that took off in the parish as being the fruits of the Holy Spirit. (Practical man that he was, Fr. Bob originally thought that enthusiastic prayer and singing was kooky and wanted no part of it.) 

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The longevity of these fruits are impressive. Today, St. Mary’s vibrant ministries continue to boom and blossom, including training parishioners in one-to-one evangelization that can be utilized effectively in everyday encounters. Going against the grain of the times, Fr. Bedard also correctly believed that preaching the fullness of the Catholic Faith would not send people out of the pews, but rather fill them.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Father Bob was further inspired to begin two religious communities, one of priests: the Companions of the Cross, and one of Sisters, the Servants of the Cross. The Companions now count two bishops in their ranks.

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No spoilers here, but there are a few surprising and even startling moments that transpired in the good padre’s life that many may not be aware of. They contributed to the forging of his strong faith, and required him to be strong for those around him. I was especially edified by the way Father’s earthly life ended in 2011, and how the filmmaker didn’t shy away from the painful details of his last years and days. In fact, when one’s lifeblood is poured out for others, sustained over many laborious years, it will surely take its toll. And that’s not sad. There’s actually nothing more Christ-like.

To say Fr. Bedard was approachable and available is an understatement. When you’re thoroughly engaged in pastoring souls, charitable works of all kinds, and an intense sacerdotal ministry, people get to see you in action, up close. The long-lasting impressions he made on those he ministered to is abundantly evident. The film is chock-full of interviews and powerful testimonies from those who knew him well, including his parishioners, students and seminarians. 

But the documentary “Permission,” to be released June 4, isn’t just a collection of inspiring interviews. The life and work of this born leader is manifested by his sermons and interactions captured on video. Best of all is the exquisitely-executed, stylized re-enactments with an actor who is a true doppelgänger of the lanky Fr. Bedard. Hamilton-based filmmaker, Kevin Dunn, deserves appropriate recognition for the difficulty of achieving such an incredibly realistic, non-hokey use of this device, complete with period hairstyles, clothing and sets.

What does contemporary sanctity look like? Look no further than Fr. Bob who was that unique blend of the very human and the very holy. Whence the title: “Permission”? It’s from a maxim and book title of Fr. Bedard. We need to “give God permission” to do whatever He wants with our time, our energy, our plans, our lives. Having met Fr. Bob briefly in the 1990s, and having benefitted personally from the ministry of the Companions and the Servants, I am grateful to know a little more about the essence of this man of God whose influence continues to enflame hearts for Christ.

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For more information and to view the trailer: PermissionTheFilm.com

Sr. Helena Raphael Burns, fsp, is a Daughter of St. Paul. She holds a Masters in Media Literacy Education and studied screenwriting at UCLA. HellBurns.com  X/Twitter: @srhelenaburns  #medianuns MediaApostle.com Instagram: @medianunscanada