Hollywood star Shia LaBeouf has expressed interest in becoming a Catholic deacon following his confirmation on New Year’s Eve.
The Capuchin Franciscans, a Catholic religious order located in California, announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that the 37-year-old actor was seen smiling with members of the group. The post also included photos of the actor with the religious members.
“We are excited to announce that our close friend Shia LaBeouf has officially joined the church this weekend through the sacrament of confirmation! The Capuchin Franciscan friars are delighted to embrace him into the community and witness his strong dedication to his spiritual journey,” stated the Western America Province of the order.
Shia LaBeouf, renowned for his exceptional skills and enthusiasm in the world of entertainment, has embarked on a deep spiritual quest that has led him to embrace the principles of the Catholic faith. His choice to fully commit to the church is a testament to his genuine longing to strengthen his connection with God and embody the teachings of the Gospel.
According to the Catholic News Agency, Bishop Robert Barron from the diocese of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota confirmed LaBeouf.
In an interview with the CNA, Capuchin friar Alexander Rodriguez, who serves as LaBeouf’s confirmation sponsor, stated that the actor has expressed interest in becoming a deacon at some point down the line.
LaBeouf’s desire to officially join the Catholic faith was influenced by his role in the movie Padre Pio, where he portrays the Italian Capuchin friar Pio of Pietrelcina, according to Rodriguez.
As stated by Rodriguez, who plays a different friar in the movie, LaBeouf expressed a sudden desire to become a deacon and still holds onto that feeling.
Shia LaBeouf’s official induction event occurred at the Old Mission Santa Inés parish in Solvang, California, which was also the location where LaBeouf received training for his role in Padre Pio, according to CNA.
During a CNA interview in June, LaBeouf discussed his time on set, stating that it was a high-pressure environment that ultimately enhanced the film. He also mentioned specific scenes where the extras were not actors, but rather devout individuals who hold a strong admiration for Pio. This added an extra layer of intensity to the scenes.
In all my years of working, I have never experienced a set where the film was so effortless to create.
Shia LaBeouf stated that he believes they created a wonderful movie by adhering to his mentor’s guidance and fully embracing his practical approach to life. He also mentioned his affinity for Catholicism, citing its straightforward nature as the reason for his admiration.
Shia LaBeouf’s parents were of different religious backgrounds, with his father being Catholic and his mother being Jewish. He was baptized during his childhood and celebrated his barmitzvah at the age of 13.
Shia LaBeouf has been acting in Hollywood for over 20 years, appearing in movies such as Holes, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and three installments of the Transformer franchise.
In 2020, LaBeouf’s ex-partner, British musician FKA twigs, accused him of physically, mentally, and emotionally abusing her. They had dated for approximately one year after meeting on the set of his 2019 film Honey Boy, which was semi-biographical in nature.
In a legal complaint, twigs alleges that LaBeouf intentionally transmitted a sexually transmitted infection to her and also engaged in verbal and physical abuse, such as strangulation.
During an interview with the New York Times, the singer stated that her encounter with LaBeouf was the most terrible experience she has ever gone through.
In 2021, LaBeouf’s lawyers refuted the accusations. Over a year later, LaBeouf discussed the allegations on a podcast with fellow actor Jon Bernthal, admitting, “I caused harm to that woman,” without specifically naming twigs.
“I caused harm to numerous individuals, including the woman, as I pursued my own pleasure and acted selfishly, dishonestly, and without consideration. I was driven by fear and behaved poorly. I deeply regret my actions.”
Source: theguardian.com
