The Handmaidens of God (1978)
This documentary chronicles the religious life of an order of Catholic nuns in Canada: Les Petites Soeurs de la Sainte-Famille (The Little Sisters of the Holy Family). Along with interviews with the Sisters and footage showing how they conduct their everyday lives, the movie also features interviews with their priest-supervisors, doctors, other priests, and members of the Church hierarchy.
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About The Handmaidens of God
The 1978 documentary "The Handmaidens of God" offers a glimpse into the daily lives and religious practices of Les Petites Soeurs de la Sainte-Famille, a Catholic order of nuns in Canada. The film explores their spiritual commitments and community structure through direct observation and personal accounts.
Running 89 minutes, the documentary presents interviews with the Sisters themselves, showcasing their perspectives on their life choices and devotion. It also incorporates viewpoints from individuals associated with the order, including priest-supervisors, medical professionals, other clergy, and members of the Church hierarchy. This approach provides a multi-faceted look at the community and its place within the broader religious institution.
Why you might be searching for The Handmaidens of God
People are likely searching for "The Handmaidens of God" to learn more about this specific documentary focused on a Canadian order of Catholic nuns in the late 1970s. The film's unique subject matter—religious life in a cloistered community—may attract viewers interested in documentaries about faith, social history, or women's monastic orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
"The Handmaidens of God" (also known by its original French title, "Les servantes du bon Dieu") is a documentary released in 1978. It explores the daily life of a community of nuns in Quebec. You can watch the documentary in French on YouTube.
Yes, "The Handmaidens of God" is a documentary that chronicles the real religious life of an order of Catholic nuns in Quebec, Canada, known as Les Petites Soeurs de la Sainte-Famille (The Little Sisters of the Holy Family). The film features interviews with the Sisters, their priest-supervisors, doctors, and other members of the Church hierarchy, capturing their everyday lives and profound faith. One of the goals of the order, founded in 1880, was to provide domestic services for the priesthood.
The film "The Handmaidens of God" concludes with a funeral scene. The documentary generally captures the daily life and spirit of the nuns, portraying their humility, resignation, and joy in their service, despite socio-cultural changes.
Yes, "The Handmaidens of God" is considered a moving and realistic documentary that offers a unique tribute to a group of women who dedicated their lives to serving priests. Directed by Diane Létourneau, it provides a quiet portrait of life within the Les Petites Soeurs de la Sainte-Famille order, highlighting their profound faith and subtle humor. Reviewers have noted that it captures the specific atmosphere of a Quebecois nunnery from that historical period. The film also records the daily lives of these religious women, who served as housekeepers and cooks, providing a look at a way of life that was potentially disappearing.