The Calling

David A. Ranghelli's documentary focuses on three subjects who have answered a religious calling. Father Philip Scott moves what he calls The Family of Jesus the Healer from his home diocese of St. Petersburg in Tampa, FL, to Chaclacayo, Peru, to address the local needs of the poor. Orlando Castillo, a recent Catholic high school graduate, becomes a volunteer and decides to undertake a probationary novitiate as preparation for eventual ordination as a priest. And a divorced woman with two grown daughters takes the veil as Mother Mary Elizabeth. The latter two struggle with questions about their choices. Castillo must deal with the concerns of his well-to-do parents, who worry about being unable to contact their son in South America, especially since his grandmother is ailing. And Mary Elizabeth must confront the reality of separation from her children, who find it difficult to accept her absence. Featuring both the full-length and an abridged hour-long broadcast version of the documentary, DVD extras include audio commentary by Ranghelli, brief segments in which the three subjects discuss the “call of God,” and a photo gallery. Offering a quietly insightful perspective on the religious vocation, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)