Have you seen the film The Da Vinci Code and want to express your thoughts on the subject? Father Vincent Paul Toccoli will answer all your questions during a meeting to be held tomorrow from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Saint Pierre d’Arène Church (52 rue de la Buffa-Nice).
On this occasion, Nice Première met again with the vibrant Father Toccoli, to whom we wish a speedy recovery, and who will tell us a bit more about his initiative.
Nice Première: Father Toccoli, what were your first thoughts at the end credits of The Da Vinci Code?
Vincent Paul Toccoli: What a waste, what a waste of time, what talent in the service of so little! All that for this, as Lelouch would say! I don’t believe that the Church, history, and truth have anything to fear from this “work,” which will not be recorded in the annals!
NP: Can you tell us about the event you envisioned following the film?
VPT: It’s not an event in the strict sense of the word! It’s an opportunity offered to those who for various reasons have not yet been able to ask their questions, to do so in the framework of a kind of “forum” open to all comers, in the Church of St Pierre d’Arène. You enter, you write – if you want – your question on a card, and you go sit down. The questions are brought up to me in the choir, and I answer them. One can, of course, intervene directly!
NP: A scathing critique, a disapproving public. Can we say that this film was a flop?
VPT: The criticism is indeed not kind. But there’s a reason! The public – at least I – likes its actors and some action. But it ends up being bewildered by vain demonstrations and involuntary gags! So of course, when it reveals that Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene’s daughter is… Amélie Poulain, and that the knight who discovered the Holy Grail is none other than Robert Langdon, alias Forrest Gump, the audience bursts out laughing. I laughed too. But I wish I hadn’t had to!
NP: What do you think about the fact that the only positive aspect of the film is the presence of women in Catholicism?
VPT: Positive, I don’t know – if I stick to the film alone. Positive is the question of women in society and in the Catholic Church in particular. The work of elucidating between “sexuality and gender” is a cultural problem that is far from being “solved.” It requires developing a new anthropology.
NP: Tell us about your web parish project?
VPT: I’m just at the ABCs. Things already exist, which do not correspond to what I would like to set up. It’s not easy: for example, one would need to be able to surf this site by choosing their texts and the environment to watch and pray during a pre-recorded eucharist. Meditate on an image and music. Learn about a text on a given topic. Engage in dialogue at certain hours, etc. I will come back to it on occasion.
NP: And what do you think of a catechism on the web?
A lot of good. What will always be missing in digital teaching is the availability of a competent person to whom one can address their personal questions!
NP: What will be the next film you go see?
I think it might be Volver by Almodovar!
NP: If I tell you (answers in a few words):
– The Exorcist: I preferred the 2nd.
– The Passion of the Christ: Not Christian, lacks the resurrection. Too much blood: Christianity is not a butchery!
– Stigmata: Not seen.
– Jesus Christ Superstar: I liked it. Didn’t find it too tasteless!
– Quarter to Two Before Jesus Christ: Stupider than that, you die!
NP: Finally, what is the schedule for your week, Father Toccoli?
A particular week:
– I got out of the clinic today, Tuesday (varicose veins).
– Tuesday and Wednesday evening: debate at St Pierre d’Arène on the DVC, from 6:30 PM to 8:15 PM.
– And it’s the big Ascension weekend: I will help the Christian communities of the valleys.
– Every day I receive: psychological and spiritual counseling!
