Based on a true story, ‘Father Stu’ tells how an agnostic amateur boxer (Mark Wahlberg) made a radical change in his life by becoming a priest and thus finding the meaning of his existence. Although he was diagnosed with an incurable muscular disorder, he continued his service until his death, changing the lives of many of his parishioners. Mel Gibson (New York, 1956) plays the protagonist’s father in this film that took six years to produce and was rejected by the studios. Only the persistence of Wahlberg, who attends the same Catholic church in Malibu with Gibson every Sunday, made it possible for it to come to fruition.
-Why did you decide to star in this film?
-As Mark says, this is an important film because the message it offers is for all audiences and not just for Catholics. It speaks of love for one’s neighbor, of hope, of inclusion. No one is immune to these feelings.
Video. Trailer for ‘Father Stu’s Miracle’.
-The film took six years to complete. Did you ever think it wouldn’t be made?
-Mark and I are men of faith. He wanted this movie to be released and so did I. We have put a lot of effort and dedication into this project, but I also believe that Father Stu helped us.
-Bill, his character, is not exactly an exemplary father.
-It is impossible to be a perfect father. In Bill’s case, this is his story too. He is a man who abandons his family because he does not want to maintain a relationship with his son. Then, over time, they meet again and are able to overcome his mistakes.
-How would you define Father Stu?
-I would say that he was the living embodiment of grace, strength and suffering. If you listen to his sermons, you discover his humanity. He was a man capable of touching the hearts of all who listened to him, always grateful for what he had, even with the illness that afflicted him. He was a man of great dignity. His life is an example of humility. A fighter who faced everything: his opponents in the ring; those who insulted him in a bar; and then against his illness. When he found his faith, he realized that he could give up a little. And I think he learned that standing in the fight is not always as effective as kneeling and admitting that you cannot walk alone.
Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson in ‘Father Stu’s Miracle Work’.
-Have you also had to kneel and admit your mistakes?
-Of course, like any other person. I have seven children and, although I know it is impossible to be perfect, I try to be better for them. I have learned that there is a lesson in every mistake you make in life, that is why I try to correct my mistakes. My children are the greatest satisfaction of my life.
-How does religion, your faith, influence your daily life?
-I am a poor practitioner, I would like to have better faith. That’s why I look for stories like this, with protagonists like Stuart, with a faith that is immovable. I like to be inspired by men of faith, acts of faith of others. When Mark told me about this project, I was stimulated by this Father’s convictions, the purity of his love, his heart full of God even in the moments of most doubt. As for me, I know I’m imperfect and I try to improve, but I do it in private.
-Does this film restore faith in humanity?
-Real heroes don’t wear masks or tights. What Stuart does inspires me. Such a man is necessary in society. It is a vital message because we are in a very dark period of our history and we are not learning. We are before a sensitive, brave man who sacrifices himself for others.
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