MEDIA

“Permission: The Film — A Spark for Renewal”

Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary

Press Release: “Premiere of New Film on Fr. Bob Bedard Draws Capacity Crowd at National Museum of History”

Companions of the Cross

Permission World Premiere

June 4, 2025

Testimonials

  • “This is what the world is longing for: a fatherly connection like that of Fr. Bob. Anyone who sees this film will love it...and love Father!”

    - Kate Sell, Catholic Influencer/Mission Advancement Partners

  • “Permission is a beautifully produced documentary which shines a light, in a really incredible way, on the life of Fr. Bob Bedard. Learning about his story, and the impact he had on so many, inspired me from start to finish. This is a really wonderful piece of work.”

    - Colm Flynn, EWTN

  • “Riveting. The superb execution of this engrossing film will leave you uplifted and hopeful.”

    - Sr. Helena Burns, fsp, Daughters of St. Paul Toronto

  • “A beautiful film about a truly amazing priest whose legacy goes on and on. Inspiring.”

    - Dr. Ralph Martin, Renewal Ministries

  • “It filled me with lots of emotion and lots of joy. This is a beautiful, authentic story of a wonderful man filled with integrity.”

    - Mary Jane Norton, Former student of Fr. Bob Bedard

  • “Beautifully done!”

    - Fr. James Mallon, Divine Renovation Ministry

  • “This film will go a long way to spread the message of Fr. Bob and the Companions of the Cross in their ongoing efforts to bring everyone to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. A very touching and deeply moving film."

    - Deborah Gyapong, Veteran Journalist and Television Producer

  • “This film has to be watched, not because it is the incredible story of Fr. Bob and the Companions of the Cross, but because it is the story of the awesome work that the Holy Spirit is doing in our Church - the "sleeping giant" that is slowly being awakened. May we all be inspired and challenged to give God permission to do in our lives what He did through Fr. Bob Bedard; to do the work that He wants to do with us."

    - Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann, Salt & Light Media

  • "Permission is an experience like no other, encompassing an important swath of Canadian Catholic history through the life of the great-hearted, tireless Fr. Bedard.”

    - Sr. Helena Burns, fsp, Daughters of St. Paul Toronto

  • “At a time when religious communities are aging out, it has always amazed me that the Companions of the Cross, these new kids on the block so to speak, have been able to buck the trend and draw so many to ministry. Kevin Dunn’s look into the order’s founder, the humble parish priest Fr. Bob Bedard, shows why this should come as no surprise.”

    - Mickey Conlon, The Catholic Register

  • “It's an incredible movie. A piece of Canadian history. This is a man that’s influenced lives across the world.”

    - Screening Attendee

  • “I’m very edified by the way [this movie] portrays Fr. Bob, with whom I had the immense privilege and blessing to live. Fr. Bob was a man in his time, but also very prophetic. So this is a very prophetic movie. I invite you to watch it, with not only your eyes, but the eyes of your heart to be open so that the Lord might touch you.”

    - Fr. David Bergeron, CC