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 thrilled to share that our dear friend Shia LaBeouf has fully entered the Church this past weekend through the sacrament of confirmation!” the Capuchin Franciscans – Western America Province announced in a Facebook post.
“The Capuchin Franciscan friars are overjoyed 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, Calif., on New Year’s Eve, according to The Catholic News Agency.
The “Transformers” actor embraced the practices of the Catholic church after embarking “on a profound spiritual journey,” the Capuchin Franciscans explained on social media.
“His decision to fully enter the Church is a testament to his sincere desire to grow in his relationship with God and live out the Gospel values,” 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 along the way.
“We invite you to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion and to 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 movie “Padre Pio” in which he portrayed Italian priest Francesco Forgione.
“He just spontaneously said, ‘I want to become a deacon,’ and he still feels that way,” Rodriguez told the website.
Deacons are “ministers of sacrament” and baptize, lead prayers, witness marriages and conduct wake and funeral services, 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 Franciscan Capuchin friars.
LaBeouf was raised by a Catholic father and a Jewish mother and was baptized and had a Bar Mitzvah.
The “Peanut Butter Falcon” star’s journey into 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 had checked into a “long-term inpatient treatment” facility, with his attorney saying at the time that he “needs help and he knows that.”
“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’m ashamed of that history and am sorry to those I hurt. There is nothing else I can really say.”
FKA Twigs, 36, described her ex’s apology as “gaslighting” and a reminder of how he acted in their relationship.
“It reminds me of some of the gaslighting I experienced when I was with him. This taking some of the blame, but not all of it, and then denying it,” she told Gayle King on “CBS This Morning” in February 2021.
The case is scheduled to go to trial in October.
LaBeouf since has welcomed a daughter with Mia Goth.
Carol Dennis is an entertainment aficionado with an eye for all things pop culture. She dives into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, from movie premieres to music festivals. Carol’s passion for storytelling extends beyond her reporting, as she’s an aspiring screenwriter in her free time.
