In a remarkable feat at the box office, the new film "Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist" has captured hearts and minds, grossing an impressive $2,141,273 and securing the top spot in per-screen average for all three days of its initial release. Distributed by Fathom Events, it stands as the highest-grossing documentary of 2024 for Fathom and currently holds second place among all documentaries released this year. Due to overwhelming demand, the film is set to return to theaters nationwide on June 18–19.
Executive producer Deacon Steve Greco, along with producers Tim Moriarty and James Wahlberg, crafted this feature-length documentary, which took audiences on a profound journey to rediscover the transformative power of the Eucharist. Through engaging dialogues with notable Catholic figures and heartfelt personal stories, viewers were immersed in the biblical origins of the Eucharist and its profound impact on individual lives.
"My greatest hope for this film has been and continues to be winning souls for Jesus Christ," expressed Greco in a press release. "I’m incredibly grateful to the moviegoers for showing up! Now, we need to show up again and with others. To those who have experienced the power of this movie, I implore you to be a Eucharistic evangelist for our film as we encore with added dates June 18 and 19."
Wahlberg echoed this sentiment, stating, "The last three days have revealed the profound impact of our movie and now we have to get outside of the pew and lead our fallen-away brothers and sisters home."
Moriarty, also the writer and director of the film, shared his team's profound gratitude for the overwhelming response to "Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist." He recounted how viewers, often moved to tears, rediscovered the beauty of their faith and how the film illuminated the heart of Catholicism for many, including those who had strayed from the Church.
"This film is a call to all Catholics: the time for being ashamed of our faith has ended," Moriarty declared. "Now is the moment to rediscover the boundless love of God, who meets us in the humble guise of bread and wine, and to share this love with a world in desperate need."
The film features renowned Catholic figures such as Most Reverend Andrew Cozzens, Bishop of Crookston; Dr. Scott Hahn, founder and president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology; and Father Donald Calloway, MIC, among others. Their insights and reflections underscored the profound significance of the Eucharist in Catholic theology and practice.
"'Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist' is an inspiring film that every Catholic should see," remarked Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas. "During this time of Eucharistic Revival, this film provides a moving meditation on the beauty and the power of the Eucharist."
Most Reverend David L. Toups, Bishop of Beaumont, Texas, also praised the film, encouraging audiences of all ages to experience its profound message and impact.