Shia LaBeouf, a well-known actor in Hollywood, has expressed interest in becoming a Catholic deacon following his confirmation on New Year’s Eve.
On Tuesday, a chapter of the Capuchin Franciscans, a Catholic religious group based in California, posted on Facebook about the 37-year-old actor. They included pictures of him smiling with members of the organization.
“We are excited to announce that our close friend Shia LaBeouf has recently joined the church by receiving the sacrament of confirmation this weekend! The Capuchin Franciscan friars are delighted to have him as a member and see his strong dedication to his spiritual path,” stated the Western America Province of the order.
“Shia LaBeouf, known for his incredible talent and passion in the entertainment industry, has embarked on a profound spiritual journey that has led him to embrace the teachings of the Catholic church. His decision to fully enter the church is a testament to his sincere desire to grow in his relationship with God and live out the Gospel values,” it added.
According to the Catholic News Agency, Bishop Robert Barron from the Winona-Rochester diocese in Minnesota has officially confirmed LaBeouf as a member of the Catholic church.
According to Capuchin friar Alexander Rodriguez, who is Shia LaBeouf’s confirmation sponsor, the actor expressed his desire to eventually become a deacon during his conversation with CNA.
Rodriguez stated that LaBeouf’s decision to officially join the Catholic religion was influenced by his role in the film Padre Pio, where he portrays Italian friar Pio of Pietrelcina.
Rodriguez, who plays a friar in the movie, shared that LaBeouf expressed his desire to become a deacon without any prior planning, and he continues to hold that sentiment.
According to CNA, LaBeouf’s confirmation ceremony occurred at the Old Mission Santa Inés parish in Solvang, California. This church is also where LaBeouf received training for his role in the film Padre Pio.
During a CNA interview in June, LaBeouf discussed his experiences on set, stating that there was a lot of pressure but it ultimately enhanced the film. He also mentioned scenes where they had non-actors portraying a crowd of followers who deeply admire Pio, and this added to the intensity of the scenes.
Throughout my entire career, I have never experienced a set where making the film was as effortless as this one.
Shia LaBeouf stated that he believes their film turned out beautifully due to their adherence to his teachings and embracing the practical approach he had towards life. He also mentioned his affinity for Catholicism, citing its practicality as the reason.
Shia LaBeouf’s parents were of different religions, with his father being Catholic and his mother being Jewish. He was baptized as a child and went through a barmitzvah ceremony at the age of 13.
Shia LaBeouf has been in the Hollywood industry for over 20 years, appearing in popular films like Holes, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and three Transformer movies.
In 2020, LaBeouf faced allegations of physical, mental, and emotional mistreatment from his ex-partner, British musician FKA twigs. The two had been in a relationship for approximately one year after meeting on the set of LaBeouf’s semi-biographical movie, Honey Boy, in 2019.
In a legal case brought by twigs, it is alleged that LaBeouf intentionally transmitted a sexually transmitted infection to her and also engaged in verbal and physical abuse, including strangulation.
During an interview with the New York Times, the singer expressed that her encounter with LaBeouf was the most traumatic experience she has ever had in her entire life.
In 2021, LaBeouf’s lawyers rejected the accusations. Over a year later, during a podcast with fellow actor Jon Bernthal, LaBeouf acknowledged the allegations by saying, “I caused harm to that woman,” but did not specifically mention twigs.
“I caused harm to numerous individuals, including the woman I mentioned, while pursuing my own selfish desires. I was dishonest, thought only of myself, lacked consideration for others, and was driven by fear,” he admitted. “I made a terrible mistake.”
Source: theguardian.com
