The actor plays the father of the priest played by Mark Wahlberg in ‘The Miracle of Father Stu’, the true story of a boxer who eventually took the robes off
Based on a true story, The Miracle of Father Stu tells how an agnostic and amateur boxer (Mark Wahlberg) took a radical turn in his life by becoming a priest in order to find the meaning of his existence. Though he was diagnosed with an incurable muscle condition, he continued his service until his death, changing the lives of many of his parishioners. Mel Gibson (New York, 1956) plays the father of the main character in this film that took six years to produce and was rejected by the studios. Only Wahlberg’s persistence, who attends the same Catholic church in Malibu with Gibson every Sunday, allowed it to blossom.
-Why did you decide to star in this movie?
-As Mark says, this is an important movie because the message it offers is for the entire audience, not just Catholics. It speaks of love for neighbor, of hope, of inclusion. No one is aware of those feelings.
-The film took six years to complete. Did you ever think it wouldn’t happen?
Mark and I are men of faith. He wanted this movie released and so did I. We put a lot of effort and dedication into this project, but I also think Father Stu helped us.
Bill, his character, isn’t exactly an exemplary father.
-It’s impossible to be a perfect father. In Bill’s case, this is his story as well. He is a man who leaves his family because he does not want a relationship with his son. Later, over time, they meet again and can overcome their mistakes.
-How would you describe Father Stu?
-I would say it was the living embodiment of grace, strength and suffering. When you listen to his sermons, you discover his humanity. He was a man who could touch the hearts of all who listened to him, always grateful for what he had, even with the illness that plagued him. He was a man of great dignity. His life is an example of humility. A fighter who faced it all: his opponents in the ring; who insulted him in a bar; and then against his illness. When he found his faith, he realized that he could give it up a little. And I think he’s learned that getting up in a fight isn’t always as effective as getting down on one knee and admitting you can’t walk alone.
Have you had to kneel and admit your mistakes?
-Of course, just like any other person. I have seven children and while I know it’s impossible to be perfect, I try to be better for them. I’ve learned that there is a lesson in every mistake you make in life, so I try to make up for my mistakes. My children are the greatest satisfaction of my life.
-How does religion affect your faith, your daily life?
-I am a bad practitioner, I would like to have a better faith. That’s why I look for stories like this, with protagonists like Stuart, with unshakable faith. 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’m trying to improve myself, but I’m doing it privately.
-This movie restores faith in humanity?
-Real heroes don’t wear masks or leggings. What Stuart does inspires me. Such a man is needed in society. It is an essential message because we are in a very dark period of our history and we are not learning. We are dealing with a sensitive, brave man, who sacrifices himself for others.
Source: La Verdad
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