Sisters of Compassion

News Archive 2002

Documentary of the Life of Suzanne Aubert

In late 2002 a French Television crew was in New Zealand making a documentary on “New Zealand – French Links” for French National Television and the Catholic Channel.

Eric, Sr Bernadette Mary (Archivist),
Chantal & Mike in the Sisters
of Compassion Archives

The original intention had been for the life of Suzanne Aubert to be included in the French- Links documentary. It soon became evident to the crew after reading The Story of Suzanne Aubert by Jessie Munro, that a separate documentary needed to be made about Suzanne.

Eric Mommeja the producer, Chantal Perrin the director, and Mike Kelland the cameraman, accompanied by Sister Sue Cosgrove, visited New Zealand Homes and Centres of Compassion to interview the Sisters and their helpers and film where they work, as well as to film historic places of importance in Suzanne’s story.

Jessie Munro was one of the people interviewed. While she was in France in May-June 2003, she also assisted in editing, translating the narration for the English version, and recording voice-overs.

There will be two documentaries, with French and English versions. An hour-long film for the French Catholic channel is in production. A 25-minute one for the Sunday morning programme of French National Television has been completed and is now available in New Zealand. The Sisters are delighted with this documentary and hopefully you will all have an opportunity to view it.