While serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I appreciated the media resources we had at our disposal to give potential converts a deeper understanding of what it means to become a member of the Church and to live the unique lifestyle of a Latter-day Saint. During that time I also learned of several examples of people who made great sacrifices to join the Church and remain worthy members. Possibly my favorite story illustrating the sacrifice that may be required for discipleship is the experience of Vincenzo Di Francesca as told in the movie How Rare A Possession.
While serving as a clergyman in Sicily, Vincenzo Di Francesca discovered a copy of The Book of Mormon that had been discarded. The book was so tattered that it was impossible for Vincenzo to discern what exactly the book was. However, as he read the book, its contents inspired him, and he quickly understood that it contained true principles and doctrines. Vincenzo began to read from the book during his sermons, referencing passages that clarified and gave greater meaning to the religious texts he normally used.
Others within the church, parishioners and other clergy, observed what was taking place. Vincenzo’s loyalty toward the book soon set him at odds with his superiors in the church, who, despite their appreciation for his work in the ministry, held councils to dissuade him from using the unknown book. At each level Vincenzo refused to disavow the book.
Ultimately he was ordered to burn the book or be dismissed from his position. Refusing this order would result in serious consequences for a man who had dedicated his life and loyalty to his church. However, having gained a solid testimony that there was something more to be gained by remaining true to the inspiration he’d received from the book, he made the choice that cost him his ministerial rights.
Having been rejected from his church, Vincenzo’s attention was more solidly fixed upon finding out what organization had published the book. The next few years brought him the knowledge that he pursued, and he was eventually baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
How Rare A Possession tells Francesca’s story in a way that brings it to life and allows the viewer to deeply understand the price he paid for the opportunity to achieve eternal wealth. I recommend the movie for anyone seeking to know more about The Book of Mormon and the church for which the book is the keystone.
The recent release of The Book of Mormon musical on Broadway have piqued interest in The Book of Mormon. How Rare A Possession is a much better depiction of the purpose and influence of The Book of Mormon than the Broadway musical, especially since the creators of The Book of Mormon musical never intended for their play to be anything other than a way to use the name of a sacred text to mock religion in general.