On June 25, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., the Vatican Film Library hosted a preview of a documentary entitled: The Martin Benedict Case: Forbidden to Believe. The preview was held to mark the upcoming 40th anniversary of the death of the Venerable Martin BENEDICT, who died on July 12, 1986.
The event was organized by the Holy See’s Dicastery for Communication, by SIGNIS Romania, the Romanian branch of the World Catholic Association for Communication, and by the Conventual Franciscan Province of St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M. in Romania.
The documentary was produced by SIGNIS Romania with the participation of Adriana RĂCĂȘAN, producer and director; Dan URSU, actor; and Father Francisc UNGUREANU, President of SIGNIS Romania.
Created using the highest production standards, the documentary provides a portrait of the human, professional, and spiritual journey of Martin BENEDICT, a highly respected physician in Romania and a Conventual Franciscan friar. This extraordinary man was officially declared Venerable by Pope Francis on December 17, 2022, a fundamental step on the path toward his canonization.
Through interviews with witnesses and experts, archival material and reenactments, the film opens a window on a life lived at the intersection of medical science and deep faith. Martin BENEDICT harmoniously embodied two contrasting vocations: he devoted himself as a physician to caring for patients at the hospital in Onești, Romania, while also serving as a Conventual Franciscan friar and priest, ordained in the silence and secrecy of the underground Church.
He lived through the darkest and most painful years of the communist dictatorship in Romania, an era of fierce ideological repression and ruthless religious persecution. In that climate of constant danger, BENEDICT chose a discreet but extraordinarily powerful path for his dual mission: a doctor who healed bodily wounds and a priest who, in the utmost secrecy, brought the comfort and light of the sacraments to souls thirsting for God.
The screening was a deeply moving and reflective event. It was attended by distinguished representatives of religious institutes and other organizations. Speakers at the event included Claudia DI GIOVANNI, the Director of the Vatican Film Library; Friar Igor SALMIČ, the Vicar General of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual; His Excellency George BOLOGAN, Ambassador of Romania to the Holy See; Father Francisc UNGUREANU, President of SIGNIS Romania; Friar Eusebio BEJAN, OFM Conv., Vice-Postulator of the cause for the beatification of Martin BENEDICT; and Adriana RĂCĂȘAN, the producer and director of the documentary. The event was moderated by Friar Silvestro BEJAN, OFM Conv.
In addition to the Vicar General of the Order, a number of other Conventual Franciscan friars attended, including the Secretary General, Friar Tomasz SZYMCZAK and the Postulator General, Friar Raimundo Valdo NOGUEIRA. Numerous priests, religious sisters, and laypeople were present as well.
The documentary was a resounding success. It left a lasting impression on those present and helped preserve the memory of a witness to the faith who, in silence and in secrecy, transformed his life into a shining testimony of freedom and faith.
Friar Silvestro BEJAN
