Shia LaBeouf's portrayal of the Capuchin Priest and Catholic Saint Pio of Pietrelcina in a recent biopic became instrumental in his conversion to Catholicism on New Year's Eve of 2022.
The Hollywood alum and lead actor of Abel Ferrara's film "Padre Pio" received the Catholic sacrament of confirmation, which completed his initiation to the faith on the last day of 2022, according to a Tuesday (January 2) Facebook post by the Western American Province of the Capuchin arm of the Order of Friars Minor, more known as the "Capuchin Franciscans."
The friars posted several pictures of LaBeouf posing with the friars and Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, who previously interviewed the actor through his Word on Fire apostolate.
The Rev. Joseph Seraphin Dederick, the provincial superior of the West Coast Capuchins, told OSV News that Barron administered the sacrament to LaBeouf at the Old Mission Santa Inés in Solvang, California.
Barron was previously an auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles prior to Pope Francis appointing him bishop of southern Minnesota in 2022.
"We are thrilled to share that our dear friend Shia LaBeouf has fully entered the Church this past weekend through the sacrament of confirmation!" the friars said in their post. "[We] are overjoyed to welcome him into the fold and witness his deep commitment to his faith journey."
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From Acting to Real Thing
In the span of filming "Padre Pio," LaBeouf developed a working and personal relationship with the Capuchin friars while researching his role as the Italian Capuchin priest who allegedly received the stigmata, or the five wounds of Jesus during his crucifixion.
Prior to the project, the actor revealed that he "wasn't even trying to make movies" when Ferrara approached him about the role.
It was also revealed that he found himself "totally lost" after his career took a nosedive after the "Transformers" series, "Fury," and especially his provocative role as Jerome in the 2013 film "Nymphomaniac."
His dark years also included battling his inner demons, which led to partying, work conflicts, and run-ins with the law.
"I was wandering around, living in my truck," he said about his past. "I wasn't interested in acting anymore."
Researching the role of Pio of Pietrelcina attracted him to the Catholic faith, and a certain Capuchin friar named Alexander Rodriguez assisted him in discerning to become a Catholic.
"As Capuchin Franciscans, we believe in the transformative power of faith and the incredible impact it can have on one's life," the friars wrote on their Facebook post. "We are humbled and grateful to walk alongside Shia as he takes this important step in his spiritual journey."
