Cremation In the Media

In “The Way”, Martin Sheen plays an American doctor who goes to France to collect the remains of his son (played by the film’s writer and director, Emilio Estevez), killed in the Pyrenees in a storm while walking the Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James.

“The Way” Movie Trailer
Used with Permission

“Ever since I was a teenager, and I first heard about the Camino – the way – I’ve wanted to make the sacred pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The wonderful new movie from Emilio Estevez and Martin Sheen, The Way, made me feel as if I had actually journeyed on the pilgrimage – and only reinforced my determination to make this spiritual journey for myself.

As with any pilgrimage, the Camino is much more than a vacation or and sight-seeing trip. It is an opportunity for prayer and a strengthening of faith. The four pilgrims in this movie, each making the journey for a different reason, band together for an unexpected but ultimately enriching process of self-discovery as they travel together to the burial place of Saint James the Apostle.

Beautifully shot and wonderfully acted, this movie inspired me. I encourage everyone to join in The Way!”

Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York,
President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

“The World Over”, EWTN
Used with Permission

Pivotal to Tom’s journey, is the spreading of Daniel’s ashes along the Camino. In this interview from EWTN’s, The World Over, Martin Sheen explains the actions of his character after learning of the unexpected death of his only child … a child who in death teaches his father the difference between “the life we live and the life we choose.”