As intense interest, and controversy, continues to mount in anticipation of Ash Wednesday's film opening of "The Passion of the Christ," directed by actor Mel Gibson, the Daughters of St. Paul have created an extensive movie website featuring background commentary and theological reflections on Christ's suffering, death and resurrection.

"Our mission is to engage our culture with the Gospel of Christ," explained Daughter of St. Paul Sister Donna Giaimo, publisher of Pauline Books & Media. According to Sister Giaimo, the Daughters of St. Paul recently created the website as a response to the "communications phenomenon" generated by the R-rated movie depicting the last 12 hours of Jesus' life.

"We want the website to be a vehicle for theological perspective and to lead people to a contemplation of Christ's passion --- it was not created to promote or defend the film," said Sister Giaimo. "We know the movie will stir up a lot of interest. Some will go see it to experience (the depth of) Christ's love and others will go out of curiosity."

The website, www.daughtersofstpaul.com/thepassionofchristmovie/index.html, currently features four main "Passion" sections: "The Film," "What Happened and Why," "Praying with Jesus," and a section titled "What Can I Do?"

A website review of an early screening of "The Passion of the Christ," written last November by Sacred Heart Missionary Father Peter Malone, calls the film "a considerable cinematic achievement." Father Malone, president of SIGNIS, an International Catholic Organization for Communication, also includes theological and cinema historical background related to the movie in his website article.

In addition, the website features scripture passages and writings from early church fathers and Pope John Paul II as well as reflections on topics such as suffering, depression and grief.

Artwork, including a gallery of images from The Stations of the Cross, is available in the website's prayer section. An interactive forum for people to express their thoughts on the film is coming soon as well as a section for adults to help explain the meaning of Christ's passion and death to children.

"We hope the website will help people deepen their own understanding and conviction of Christ's love for them," said Sister Giaimo.