Shia LaBeouf has been confirmed into the Catholic Church and reportedly hopes to become a deacon, years after he was accused of physical and emotional abuse.
“We are very pleased to announce that our dear friend Shia LaBeouf fully entered the Church this past weekend through the sacrament of Confirmation!” The Capuchin Franciscans – Province of Western America announced this in a Facebook post.
“The Capuchin Franciscan Friars are overjoyed to welcome him into the fold and to witness his deep commitment to his journey of faith.”
The Even Stevens graduate, 37, was confirmed on New Year's Eve at the Old Mission Santa Inés Parish in Solvang, California, according to The Catholic News Agency.
The actor was confirmed on New Year's Eve at Old Mission Santa Inés Parish in Solvang, California. capuchinswest/Facebook The Capuchin Franciscans announced the news of his confirmation on Facebook. capuchinswest/Facebook
The “Transformers” actor adopted the practices of the Catholic Church after embarking on “a profound spiritual journey,” the Capuchin Franciscans said on social media.
“His decision to fully join the Church is evidence of his sincere desire to grow in his relationship with God and live the values of the Gospel,” the statement continued.
The Capuchin Franciscans expressed their belief in the “transformative power of faith and the incredible impact it can have on one's life” and said they were “humbled” to be there for LaBeouf on this journey.
He had embarked on a “profound spiritual journey” before accepting the teachings of the Catholic Church.
“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 said. “May his example inspire others to explore their own spiritual paths and find solace in the loving embrace of the Church.”
LaBeouf's confirmation sponsor, 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 portrayed Italian priest Francesco Forgione.
“He just spontaneously said, 'I want to be a deacon,' and he still feels that way,” Rodriguez told the website.
The “Holes” star aspires to become a deacon. capuchinswest/Facebook He was inspired to explore Catholicism after portraying a priest in his 2022 film “Padre Pio.”
According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, deacons are “ministers of the sacrament” and baptize, lead prayers, witness marriages and conduct wakes and funeral services.
While preparing for the film, LaBeouf immersed himself in Catholicism and lived in a monastery with Franciscan Capuchin monks.
LaBeouf was raised by a Catholic father and a Jewish mother, was baptized and had a bar mitzvah.
He was raised Catholic and Jewish.
The Peanut Butter Falcon star's journey into the Catholic Church begins nearly three years after he was accused of physically and emotionally abusing his ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs.
LaBeouf denied the allegations and checked himself into a “long-term inpatient treatment facility.” His lawyer said at the time that he “needs help and he knows it.”
“I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression, only rationalizations. 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 this story and sorry to those I hurt. There’s nothing else I can really say.”
His confirmation comes three years after FKA Twigs accused him of emotional abuse. Getty Images
FKA Twigs, 36, described her ex's apology as “gaslighting” and a reminder of how he acted in their relationship.
“It reminds me of the gaslighting I experienced when I was with him. That you take some of the blame, but not all of it, and then deny it,” she says Gayle King said on “CBS This Morning.” in February 2021.
The case is scheduled to go to trial in October.
Since then, LaBeouf has had a daughter with Mia Goth.