In a long interview conducted by the American bishop Mgr Robert Barron, the actor Shia LaBeouf, just converted and who plays Padre Pio in a biopic in theaters in the United States this Friday, September 9, notably confided his interest… for the Latin Mass.
The famous American actor Shia LaBeouf recently made the headlines by announcing his conversion to Catholicism, after playing the role of Padre Pio, a film which will be released this Friday, September 9 in the United States. It was during a long interview with Bishop Robert Barron, the bishop of Winona-Rochester (United States), that the actor told of his conversion. An interview posting on YouTube and which already has more than 1.5 million views.
1 hour and 20 minutes long, this interview reveals the depth of Shia LaBeouf’s conversion but also his deep attraction to the Latin Mass, which played a big role in his conversion and spiritual growth.
The feeling of finding a treasure
Professional deformation obliges, the actor first confides that he saw the mass as a kind of performance, with the priest in the main role. But yet, he says, when he started watching videos of Padre Pio saying Mass in Latin, to prepare for his role, he admits to having deeply felt all the emotions of the Mass.
“The Latin Mass touches me deeply, I feel like I’m being put to work for something very special, like a found treasure, rather than someone who is ‘trying to sell me something'”, confides does it so. When he attends a mass said in English (the ordinary form), the actor explains that it “reduces my listening, my concentration, takes me away from mystery and depth”.
Reacting to this confidence, Bishop Barron recalls, however, that the Church’s decision to promote Mass in the language of the people is intended to allow the Christian community present to be fully aware of what is happening during the liturgy. The actor recognizes it, the Church must not be “too exclusive”. But for him, personally, he feels that understanding every word is not the most important thing. “It’s almost more powerful than when I know every word!” »
A window on the sacred
During their conversation, Bishop Barron also mentions the use of incense during mass. He explains that when used, the community cannot see what is happening as clearly, which can add mystery and sacredness to the liturgy. What Shia LaBeouf approves of: “When we are deprived of certain senses, it increases others”. “Thus, at the most sacred moment of the Mass, when we do not see clearly what is happening, we are called to reflect internally on the great mysteries,” he adds. For the actor, these different experiences evoke a sense of connection to God. In his personal way, he says that he thus draws closer to God by being invited to bear witness to the wonder of the death and resurrection of Christ, during the mass, thanks to all these gestures full of meaning and which speak to him. .
One of the beauties of the Catholic Church is that there is room for people to find their own way of connecting with God. As Bishop Barron concludes, the Catholic Church is like “a house with all these doors open, and whatever door suits you, enter”.
