Reactions to 'Father Stu' Film

By Carissa Krautscheid 
 
Catholic priests, sisters, brothers, and deacons joined Diocesan staff at a prerelease screening of Mark Wahlberg’s new film, “Father Stu.” The film premieres on April 12 in theaters across the Diocese of Tucson. 
 
“Father Stu” tells the true story of one man’s unconventional journey to the Catholic Church and his inspirational impact as a priest. A beautiful woman was Stuart Long’s reason for walking into a Catholic church, but God was the reason he stayed. After a devastating accident, Stu reconsidered his pandering morality and, as a boxer, answered the call to become a fighter for God. His unlikely yet total conversion did not make sense to everyone, especially when he decided to become a priest. Even the diagnosis of a life-altering disease could not hinder Stu’s faithful relationship with God. 
 
“Despite a devastating health crisis and the skepticism of Church officials and his estranged parents, Stu pursues his vocation with courage and compassion, inspiring not only those closest to him but countless others along the way” (www.fatherstumovie.com). 
 
What stood out most to Deacon Greg Henderson about the film was “Stu’s courage to re-evaluate and change course mid-life, even when he ran into opposition. God can use our life experiences to make us uniquely suited for reaching others He wants to reach. Suffering gives power and credibility to our story.” 
 
This is a powerful story of second chances, perseverance, purpose, and God’s ability to work through every life circumstance, including the most unlikely or devastating. “Father Stu” will make you laugh, and it will make you cry. 
 
Catholic educator, Mark Krautscheid reflected, “Despite all the challenges (self-imposed or otherwise), Stu kept on fighting for what he believed in. I admire his passion. The film reminded me that living the Christian life is about both virtue and passion.” 
 
Catholic young adult, Josue Limon, shared about his experience watching the film as well. Most impactful was Stu’s “unwavering God-given confidence. It was clear that this was a gift that is capable of both good and bad.” Limon personally relates to elements of Father Stu’s story. “I too had a near-death experience involving a vehicle and alcohol. That part really struck a nerve with me and reminded me of my struggles. This film stirred inside of me again the question I’ve had for a while about my discernment. It gave me hope to know and see how God never stops and neither must I. My faith journey has been a long road home, but I came home nevertheless and right on time. The question now becomes who else can I bring home with my own story.” 
 
The film does a good job of conveying Catholic sacraments accurately, while also explaining common misconceptions. Walking alongside Stu, viewers of any faith will learn more about Catholic life as Stu attends religious education classes in preparation for baptism and during seminary studies for the priesthood. Atheist characters, including Stu’s parents, convey fervent objections to Catholicism. These elements, while unfortunate, are likely realistic opinions of some non-Catholics.  
 
Additionally, the film is rated R for very strong and objectionable language. While this low form of dialogue is regrettable it is, again, realistic for the characters and the rough environment they live in. “The language alone brought this movie down from ‘a must-see regularly’ to just ‘a must see once,’” said Krautscheid. 
 
Memorable quotes include: 

• “We shouldn’t pray for an easy life, but the strength to endure a difficult one.” 
• “What the Church needs is someone who’s gonna fight for God.” 
• “Life is going to give you a gut-full of reasons to be angry. You only need one to be grateful.” 
• “I think God saw something in you worth saving, but it’s up to you to decide what you’ve got to offer.”
• “When no one else cares what you’ve got to say, God does. He ain’t giving up on you. Don’t you dare go giving up on yourself.” 

 
Catholic actor Mark Wahlberg said, “I found Father Stu’s story so inspiring that I knew I had to find a way to bring it to the big screen.” It took Wahlberg seven years to develop and produce this film since he first heard about it in 2016, just two years after Father Stuart Long’s passing.