Theaters nationwide today will begin showing an edited version of Mel Gibson’s blockbuster hit, The Passion of the Christ, which is scheduled to run through Easter.

CNA reported last month that the new cut of the film removes five to six minutes of the most violent scenes, specifically the scourging scene.

Bruce Davey, Gibson’s partner in Icon Productions commented that, "there are no new scenes, and the cuts are limited to the more violent aspects of the film, if that's the right term.

Icon Productions is considering a yearly release of the film for the Lenten season.

For more information and theater listings, visit, www.thepassionrecut.com