Mark Wahlberg Shares Heartfelt Ash Wednesday Message: “We Need Things To Bring People Together And The Power Of Prayer Is Doing That”

Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg) learns about the chosen Knight in Transformers: The Last Knight (2017), Paramount Pictures
Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg) learns about the chosen Knight in Transformers: The Last Knight (2017), Paramount Pictures

Mark Wahlberg — known or his roles in such films as Transformers: The Last Knight, The Fighter, and Father Stu —is one of the few A-list Hollywood stars who isn’t afraid to be vocal about his faith; often talking about his devotion to God.

Mark Wahlberg on his Catholic faith, Fr. Stu, & working with Mel Gibson via Pints With Aquinas, YouTube
Mark Wahlberg on his Catholic faith, Fr. Stu, & working with Mel Gibson via Pints With Aquinas, YouTube

RELATED: ‘Uncharted’ Star Mark Wahlberg Reveals He Moved From California To Nevada “To Be Able To Give My Kids A Better Life”

In a recent interview with Fox & Friends, the Uncharted actor, who was joined by The Chosen star Jonathan Roumie, was talked about his daily routine, what he was giving up for Lent, and the 30-second Super Bowl ad he starred in for the Hallow prayer app.

When specifically asked about the Hallow ad, Wahlberg said, “We just want to continue to encourage people to grow closer to God.”

“Ever since I was fortunate enough to get involved with the Hallow app — right around the release of Father Stu — it really has allowed me to contribute as much as I possible can, and use the platform that I have to encourage people to have a relationship with God,” Wahlberg elaborated.

The Father Stu actor would also talk about his daily routine, noting, “People always ask ‘why can’t you have a normal schedule?’ My thing is, if I’m at home, I do all the things that I need to do that are personal time before the kids and my wife get up.”

“But, I mean, I always get eight hours of sleep, so I can, you know I’m not burning the candle at both ends, per se. I’m getting the rest that I need,” Wahlberg explained. “In a perfect world, I’ll go to bed at 7-7:30, wake up at 3-3:30 and then do my things, get those out of the way before I start my day with my family or work.”

When asked whether he starts his day with prayer, the actor eagerly replied, “Absolutely! I have a lot to be grateful for.”

Shahar Isaac as Simon Peter, Jonathan Roumie as Jesus, George H. Xanthis as John, and Paras Patel as Matthew in The Chosen Season 2
Shahar Isaac as Simon Peter, Jonathan Roumie as Jesus, George H. Xanthis as John, and Paras Patel as Matthew in The Chosen Season 2

RELATED: Father Stu Star Mark Wahlberg Takes To Social Media To Celebrate His Son’s Catholic Confirmation

Roumie, who is plays the role of Jesus in The Chosen, asked talked about his daily routine, revealing that, much like Wahlberg himself, his morning starts with prayer, going on to explain why this is an essential part of his day.

“I think it sets everything up,” Roumie said about his morning prayer. “It sets up your mind, it sets your spirit up for, you know, the challenges, perhaps for the day, and as well as the successes.”

He went on, “And I think, as Mark’s saying, starting the day with gratitude, and knowing that we’ve been given so much in this life to be grateful for to God, and being able to express that through prayer.”

Jesus (Jonathan Roumie) joins Mary Magdalene (Elizabeth Tabish) for dinner in The Chosen Season 1 Episode 2 "Shabbath" (2019), Angel Studios
Jesus (Jonathan Roumie) joins Mary Magdalene (Elizabeth Tabish) for dinner in The Chosen Season 1 Episode 2 “Shabbath” (2019), Angel Studios

Wahlberg interjects in agreement, adding, “And also all of us needing to do more. I mean, you know, people always asking, ‘what are you giving up?’ I’ve given many things up for Lent, whether it be, you know, alcohol or something, you know, sweet, but for me it’s really about trying to do more.”

“You know, trying to be better, trying to grow as a person, as a servant to God, a father, a husband, you know, as an example, and using all that real-life experience that I have,” the Transformers: The Last Knight actor explained. “I think it gives me a bit of credibility with people who have been struggling and who have faced adversity.”

Stuart Long (Mark Wahlberg) in Columbia Pictures' FATHER STU.
Stuart Long (Mark Wahlberg) in Columbia Pictures’ FATHER STU.

He continued, “We just want to be able to do more. And I think, what better than to have Ash Wednesday fall on Valentine’s Day. Because, where do you get more love than with the Lord.”

“And at a time with such a disconnect, we need things to bring people together, and the power of prayer is doing that,” he concluded.

NEXT: ‘Hercules’ Actor Kevin Sorbo Says His Agent And Manager Were Unwilling To Work With Him Because Of His Political Leanings And Christian Religious Views

Mentioned In This Article:

More About: