Shia LaBeouf has joined the Catholic Church and intends to become a deacon

films

by Leah Betsky

Shia LaBeouf has been confirmed to join the Catholic Church and is said to be hoping to become a deacon – years after he was accused of physical and emotional abuse.

“We are thrilled to announce that our dear friend Shia LaBeouf fully entered the Church this past weekend through the Sacrament of Confirmation!” The Capuchin Franciscan friars declared the province of Western America in a Share Facebook.

“The Capuchin Franciscan Friars are thrilled to welcome him into the fold and witness his deep commitment to his faith journey.”

The Even Stevens alum, 37, was confirmed at Old Mission Santa Inés Parish in Solvang, California, on New Year's Eve. According to the Catholic News Agency.

Capuchin Franciscan friars explained on social media that the “Converts” actor embraced the practices of the Catholic Church after embarking on a “deep spiritual journey.”

The statement continued: “His decision to fully enter the church is a testimony to his sincere desire to grow in his relationship with God and live the values ​​of the Gospel.”

The Capuchin Franciscan friars expressed their belief in “the transformative power of faith and the amazing impact it can have on one's life” and said they were “humbled” to have been by LaBeouf's side along the way.

“We invite you to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion and keep Shia LaBeouf in your prayers as he continues to deepen his faith and seek God’s guidance in his life,” the statement read. “May his example inspire others to explore their own spiritual paths and find solace in the loving embrace of the Church.”

LaBeouf's confirmation pastor, Capuchin friar Brother Alexander Rodriguez, told CNA that he has wanted to become a deacon since starring in his 2022 film “Padre Pio,” in which he played Italian priest Francesco Forgione.

“He just casually said, ‘I want to be a deacon,’ and he still feels that way,” Rodriguez told the site.

Deacons are “ministers of the sacraments” and they baptize, lead prayers, witness marriages, and perform memorial services and funerals. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

While preparing for the film, LaBeouf immersed himself in Catholicism and lived in a monastery with Capuchin Franciscan friars.

LaBeouf was raised by a Catholic father and Jewish mother and was baptized and received a bar mitzvah.

The Peanut Butter Falcon star's journey to the Catholic Church comes nearly three years after he was accused of physically and emotionally abusing his ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs.

LaBeouf denied the accusations and was admitted to a facility for “long-term inpatient treatment,” and his lawyer said at the time that he “needs help and he knows it.”

“I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression, only justifications. I have been abusive to myself and everyone around me for years,” LeBeouf told the New York Times in 2021. “I have a history of hurting the people closest to me. I am ashamed of that history and I am sorry.” To those I've hurt, there's really nothing else I can say.

FKA Twigs, 36, called her ex-husband's apology “gaslighting” and a reminder of how he behaved in their relationship.

“It reminds me of some of the gaslighting experiences I had when I was with him. It means taking some of the blame, but not all of it, and then denying it.” Gayle King said on “CBS This Morning.” In February 2021.

The case is scheduled to go to trial in October.

LaBeouf has since welcomed his daughter with Mia Goth.