Contemporary Hollywood isn't well known for its variety of thought. However, Mark Wahlberg continues to prove that he's not like the majority. The actor on Thursday posted an Instagram message to his 18.5 million Instagram followers. His suggestion: Meet in the presence of God.
The dedicated Catholic said that both women and men need to “stay prayed up.” Additionally, he encouraged people on social media to join in the recitation of the Rosary. “I'm here on the set, and I've been getting a lot of messages from people who have been praying every day and finding peace. And especially, sending wonderful messages about doing the Rosary with me on the Hallow app. If you haven't yet, go to the Hallow app. Let's do the Rosary together and stay prayed up. You've got to stay prayed up. God bless you.”
Mark has been quite open about his Christian faith throughout the years. Indeed, he is now becoming more religious. Recently the actor/producer released a Christian (albeit grim) film that he himself funded, Father Stu. The film tells the story of a Catholic priest who transformed his life and decided to be ordained, despite every obstacle. “Against all odds” also applies to the film's production. Mark tried for six years to get the film off the ground. It appears that Hollywood wasn’t interested in it.
In a People article, Wahlberg said, “Let's just say I put millions and millions of dollars into the film — and then incurring other costs because we went over schedule in production, and there are clearances for the music.” He added that some of his acquaintances who “believed in the project” also backed it. Wahlberg has said that I “prayed every day about getting this film made… I cannot take credit for the movie's success, because this is God choosing me to make the film. He knows finally I get to utilize all the talents and gifts that have been bestowed upon me for his greater good and to serve my part in his big picture… Typically the person cutting the check also has notes and wants to be involved in the process,” Mark explained. “So I felt, you know what, I think it's better if I just step up and have complete control.”
It's a new direction.
“I feel like this is starting a new chapter for me in that, you know, doing things like this, real substance, can help people. I definitely want to focus on making more. I wouldn't say necessarily just faith-based content, but things that will help people. So hopefully, this movie will open a door for not only myself but for lots of other people in Hollywood to make more meaningful content.”
There are definitely many other Hollywoodites who share his beliefs: “Candace Cameron Doesn't Need ‘The View' but She Wants People to See Something More,” “A Hollywood Actress Warns of ‘Ignorance’-driven Attack That Is Coming on Christianity,” “The Follower to Christ Denzel Washington Strikes Against the Grain and Demands Godly Men of Leadership,” “Kanye West Proclaims His ‘Radical Obedience’ to Jesus Christ,” “An Eminent Hollywood Star Is at the Defense of a Man of Faith He Calls Him a Real Christian,” “Black Panther Star Shares Christian Testimony in the Acceptance Speech: God Made You, and You're important,” “Justin Bieber Says Celibacy to Honor God Has Blessed His Wife,” “Christian Persecution: The Actor Chris Pratt Announces a Period of Fasting & Prayer, the Left Condemn Him.”
Don't overlook Mario Lopez, who replied to Mark's Instagram post with three hearts.
If you're curious about the Hallow app, according to the app’s description on Instagram, it's “a Catholic prayer & meditation app to help you find peace, deepen your relationship with God, and sleep soundly every night.”
When he spoke to Fox Nation, Wahlberg shared some more thoughts on his turning point. “I need to stop focusing so much on Mark and start doing much more work for God and for less fortunate people.”
