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Many of us are eagerly awaiting the new movie about the much-loved Italian saint Padre Pio. In an interesting move, considering his less than saintly past, the actor Shia LaBoeuf was cast to play the Capuchin friar.
However, in true LaBoeuf style, he totally embraced the role and spent time at a Franciscan Capuchin friary based in Burlingame, California, to better appreciate the work of the friars, and even went on a pilgrimage. And while he was there, the 36-year-old met up with Bishop Robert Barron.
The prelate shared on Instagram how the pair saw each other again at the screening of the movie.
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Bishop Barron noted that "it was delightful to see him again at the screening." Lots of fans of the actor, and of Padre Pio, are hoping that the experience in playing St. Pius of Pietrelcina will have a positive influence in LaBeouf's life, with one Instagram commenter saying:
“Praying for Shia’s conversion. He has the intercession of the most amazing saint ever in the case! Padre [Pio, OFM],” as shared by Church Pop.
However as another commenter pointed out, "The actor is unknown to me, but those around me say that he’s ‘incredibly’ talented. No doubt St. Pio chose him also."
LaBeouf was actually born to a Jewish mother and Christian father, and in the past he considered himself Jewish, but he stated in Interview Magazine in 2014: "I found God doing [the film] Fury. I became a Christian man."
Maybe having played the Italian mystic, stigmatist and priest, LaBeouf will find his heart further opened to the joys of the Catholic faith.
It's also great to see members of the Church offering their support to both the movie and the actor. May the paths of Bishop Barron and Shia LaBeouf cross again in the days to come.
