The Reluctant Saint

The Reluctant Saint is a 1962 Christian comedy film based on the true story of a simple and humble Italian peasant, Joseph Desa, who became revered as a saint. The film stars Maximilian Schell as Joseph Desa, Ricardo Montalban as Father Raspi, and Lea Padovani as Mother Desa.

The story begins in the small town of Arsoli, Italy, where Joseph Desa is a simple and uneducated peasant who works as a farmer. He is a devoted Catholic who loves God and prayer, but he is not particularly religious. Joseph is kind, honest, and generous, but he has a quick temper and tends to get into arguments and fights.

One day, Joseph receives a vision from God, telling him to go to Rome and become a priest. Joseph is confused and frightened by the vision, but he decides to obey God and follow his calling. He travels to Rome and meets Father Raspi, a wise and experienced priest who becomes Joseph's mentor and guide.

The rest of the story follows Joseph's journey as he struggles to become a priest and overcome his flaws and weaknesses. He faces obstacles such as his lack of education, his temper, and his struggles with celibacy. He also faces skepticism and ridicule from the other priests and the townspeople, who do not believe that a simple peasant like Joseph could become a saint.

Despite these challenges, Joseph perseveres and becomes a beloved figure in the Catholic Church. He performs miracles of healing and receives visions from God, and his holiness and humility inspire many people. However, Joseph remains humble and reluctant about his status as a saint, and he is constantly torn between his desire to live a quiet life as a farmer and his duty to serve God.

The Reluctant Saint is a heartwarming and inspiring film that offers a glimpse into the life of a real-life saint. It portrays Joseph Desa as a flawed but ultimately lovable figure who exemplifies the virtues of simplicity, humility, and devotion to God. The film is notable for its strong performances, particularly by Maximilian Schell, who delivers a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of Joseph. Ricardo Montalban also shines as Father Raspi, who provides a wise and compassionate presence in Joseph's life.

Overall, The Reluctant Saint is a classic film that has been beloved by generations of viewers. It offers a moving and uplifting message about the power of faith and the human capacity for redemption and transformation. Whether you are a fan of Christian films or simply appreciate a good story of personal growth and spiritual awakening, The Reluctant Saint is definitely worth watching.