Catholic Reacts to Shia Labeouf's Conversion 

As someone who ate ice cream, laugh, got silly, had deep conversation, prayed with, attended Mass with him during this time, I can say that his experience is real. For those who are skeptical about his conversion, all I ask in charity is that give his conversion a chance as is not a 1 time moment but a life long journey - just like for all of us. This interview occurred almost 1 year after the start of his journey and its great to see him come a long way. Let as pray for him and for each other so that we all continue to be focused in our Lord. Pace e bene.

Having converted to Catholicism in 2003 (doing RCIA) I was in a “honeymoon” phase for first 5 yrs + I even contemplated joining an order and did a Masters in Divinity. What I know about this journey is there will be highs and lows. I pray for him that his journey of faith and love will be for his lifetime. His journey reminds me of Mark Wahlberg who did create a life of change and commitment to the Church. God bless Shia and others who are sincerely trying to change and walk with God ❤️

I believe Shia is being genuine. He did an interview with a fellow actor Jon Bernthal and was even more open and brought up a lot of the same things he said here and then some. Just will continue to pray for him. Definitely excited for him and seeing the peace and joy he has expressed from his journey so far.

I too am now praying the Rosary daily, pray for me to continue in this PLEASE

We can only hope this is the real deal, not a phase to deal with stressful events, but either way Shia needs prayers.

St Pio can and will intervene…prayers for Shia… and all of us!!!

Just started going to a Catholic Church for a month now at age40. Grew up catholic got baptised and did my first communion. I wasl going to Christian Churches here and there for 5 yrs until i gave Catholicism a chance because of a conversion with my father in law. And watching your videos and doing research on how mass is , the meaning of the Eucharist, saints and virgin mary. And of course JESUS CHRIST BEING PRAISED! It felt special. Next step is confession and Confirmation.

Thank you for the reminder to be charitable for others when they sin. I am also guilty of dismissing people unreasonably

Anyone can convert to Christianity but converting to Catholicism is a whole other thing. I'm so happy for him.

When I think about Kanye or Shia, James 2:1-13 comes to mind. We should praise God when anyone comes to salvation, but we shouldn't show partiality. I think sometimes we're too quick to either overly judge or overly praise celebrities who profess Christ. As relatively new converts, they will struggle in their faith. Knowing that, we should neither castigate them nor place them on a pedestal.

God left the light on for me so I'm happy whenever anyone finds their way home. Here's hoping he brings friends to the banquet. God Bless.

I believe he's genuine about his conversion. I could be wrong and perhaps it could be a phase but I believe that Saint Padre Pio's story is powerful enough to convert someone, I believe the Latin Mass is so beautiful and reverent enough to move someone, and that no one is too far out of God's reach. At the same time, I don't think anyone should consider Shia as an authority in any way. I know people that are passionate about the Latin Mass want to prop him up as an example and that could possibly do harm to his ego if he's truly genuine about his conversion.

I was so impressed with his interview. Please, do try to interview him. I think the both of you would have such a beautiful conversation. God bless you.

Guys all we can do is keep praying for Him wether it’s genuine or not, only God knows but we have to continue to pray for his journey

Thanks guys for letting me know of this conversation between Shia and The Bishop. Just wached it. It was inspirational.

He did a 2 hr interview w John Barenthal that gets into what led to the Pio movie. It started with AA meetings a friend got him to try online when considering suicide. Then the movie came along. It's a beautiful story. Praise God.

I believe with my whole heart that Shia has the spirit moving in him. It shows in his pause. Anyone, not just Shia, will be moved when studying Padre Pio. God has moved thru Padre Pio and saved this poor soul. I do not believe there’s going back for Shia. Even with temptations. God has plans for Shia! 🙏

I love the generosity of heart you mentioned. Beautiful conversation. Loved the experience in Minnesota with the girl reading your book. Love your beard too!

I really enjoyed that video as a convert. There’s plenty of celebrity Catholics, but most come off as like warm. He hit rock bottom and now sounds like he’s on fire for the faith. What a privilege for him as well to have all those resources around him during his conversion. Like a jacked up RCIA.

He leads the most beautiful Rosary I have ever heard in my life. I am in awe every time i hear it. Bishop Robert Barron is a Holy, Brilliant and Compassionate Man of God. (And he did not say that everyone goes to heaven. He said we have the hope that everyone goes to heaven. That is directly out of the Magisterium.)

I’m so glad Matt iterated the need to be more receptive to the differences of peoples expressions of life and faith. I’ve been seeing overtime in his podcasts that there has been increasing lack of charity in order to focus on the apologetics of the church. Good to see that understanding being revealed in this video. God bless Matt

Imagine being that student when the author of the book you're reading shows up 😂 that is actually an incredible story

I watched the entire interview and I was so happy for him. Even if the movie completing bombs in theaters to me it was still worth it for his conversion. I do feel that he’s in a delicate fragile phase of his journey. I just hope the evil one doesn’t try to pull him back down.

Pray this is something that sticks with Shia. The pull he states in that interview to the Latin mass is amazing.

I watched the whole video of Shia with Bishop Barron TWICE because it was very beautiful to hear his conversion story. Shia was articulate, humbled, and animated. It was quite interesting. Matt, you have a very valid point with regards to being a bit reserved when it comes to celebrity conversions. I think the best we can do is to pray for these people. Conversion is a long process and needs a lot of help from God, the Holy Spirit, and intercessions from our Lady and the saints in order to stay faithful to our Lord. So praying for them, by the Grace of God, will help them see this through.

Matt, So glad to have you back. Love u bruh.

What a sweet conversation. Just found your channel You guys are great.

Cheers Matt! Much reflection for Confession!

What I hope Shia sees is what I, and a lot of discerning Catholics, have experienced. What is that? It's the can of worms we've opened. It's the knowing that is now stuck with us. It's the mercy of God being enacted on the daily, and the love of His children spread throughout the world to those who want, and seek Him. Shia, may you and your wife find conversion, love, and joy by stepping into the realm of Our Savior's unfaltering promise, praise, and compassion for sinners. Be safe, everyone. Peace be with you, all of you.

What a wonderful thing to see Shia talk about his experience as being so real. I love the dialogue about it as well. I would agree some of us, me included, get wrapped up into the "team" score of who's converting more. Huge shutout to the Minnesota reference and Caribou coffee. What a cool experience to hear about Matt having here

Oh my gosh I can totally relate to the judgement thing! Thank you for articulating 🙏❤️

This such a powerful video from you both! I too tend to judge others & learning not be. My daughter has a purple hair & has embraced the Lesbian life. We are not happy about this & she knows this but we did share how much we love her & will not throw her out of the house. I believe Shia has had a real conversion the way he has talked about in such a deep way & yes we need to look to The Saints & pray especially Padre Pio to keep close to Shia!

Who am I to judge anyone I've sinned like a madman lol

Reach out to Shia. He would probably come on.

I listened to Shia’s talk with Bishop Barron. He is amazing when it comes to the deep understanding of our faith. It’s like , me being a catholic my whole life and just understanding our faith deeply but for him he understood it completely in a short amount of time. I feel like his pain and suffering made him understand our faith deeper. It’s funny during the interview when Bishop Baron keeps asking him about acting , shia would always respond by explaining the Latin Mass and how it affectted him deeply and emotionally.

I watched the whole Shia interview and I think you are right....beautiful!(

Dear Shia, welcome brother and God Bless!

What I think is most important for Shia was the influence of the Latin Mass. Pope Francis is crazy when he tries to prevent it. Our Latin Mas parish is growing by leaps and bounds; the Novus Ordo churches are decreasing. The Church needs to return to the Latin Mass and retrieve our true identity.

I can relate to his story in the coffee shop about when I'm tired and my thought patterns. I haven't written any books though. BTW I am very protestant, but I recommend this channel often. The gospel is what is important. And I like pints.

God bless you, Pints. Great story, thanks for sharing. Yes, Barron has the right idea. Remember that it is not for us but for God to judge a soul. Our job as humble Christians is merely to point out the way to salvation. You and I and everyone else get nervous from time to time, but remember God is never nervous, much less in crisis. Keep up the good work!

Sorry to “be that guy”, however I’m surprised that there was no mention of one the main reasons why Shia converted, namely the Tridentine Mass.

Thank you for sharing about you judging people sometimes instead of being charitable… I have the same problem!!! I’ll pray for you and hopefully God will help me in this area as well ☺️

Great video, I appreciate that the conversation trended towards how we should reflect on how we view others. I also like the part of appreciation the conversion for the sake of the person converting and not because it is a score for our team. I believe the key to Christianity's early success, was due to its genuine love for other people. Willing the best for them without any benefit to one's self. We weaken when we view ourselves in a tribal nature of our belief and relationship with the Lord. Tribalism will always sink to the lowest common denominator and be jingoistic in its communication within and without. I will pray that his conversion, and all others out there, will continue to bring the true joy of love with the Lord.

I see the Holy spirit working through Him. ❤Padre Pio pray for us

When he mentioned the Latin Mass and Mel Gibson to Bishop Barron. Did you see Barron's face? He looked like he didn't know whether to poop or go blind. It was GLORIOUS ✝️✝️✝️☦️☦️☦️!!

I think that your reminder to be less judgmental and more loving is so sincere and always a valuable reminder. And it is so true about the "my team" stuff that can happen with celebrities. "Our" team is the wish for all of humanity to come to God and Christ - celebrity does not matter... unless they can reach more people to love the Lord our God.

If he continues on his journey, growing deeper in faith and stands up to the slings and arrows of Hollywood and the culture, that will be the test for how deep these roots have grown. He deserves many prayers for grace and strength on this journey. It is easy to jump to a "publicity stunt" angle and anything to get back in the public eye, but he does sound like something new has been opened up to him. Praying for him!

So thankful I saw this today. 👍🙏🏼❤️✝️🕊💪☝️😀

The interview with the Bishop should be attached to the DVD as an extra!

Time will tell- we all went through stuff have to go through the darkness hope pray he sticks with it

Really good points, and a great reminder to see people the way God does. I am NOT great at that, but I need to do better, always. Thanks guys! ❤❤❤

I’m not a fan at all ofBishop Barron, but I can respect him for bringing certain people to Christianity. I hope he becomes more sincere also and not just looking for the lime light.

LOVE!! watching Matt's face as Shia talks...also YES!!! on my judgementalism especially of people who remind me of "younger me" WHY????

"Our forgiveness is contingent upon us forgiving others. That's why is says FORGIVE US our trespasses as WE FORGIVE OTHERS who trespass against us" - Fr. Stu

I LOVE THIS CHANNEL

Let's all pray for his sake that it is genuine, it lasts, and it keeps him safe. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

You will know them by their fruits and I think by the Joy, laughter, love, and Charity Catholics show this exponentially and I think Shia recognized this in this situation 🙏🏼✝️🕊

Wow man, that judgment comes from fear bit hit me really hard.

Shia more Catholic than Barron, I loved the interview! At least for now, as he is about to face trials 😉

I love the catch phrase “the team” because that how I feel sometimes and that’s pride. It’s not for the glory of God. Really enjoyed this ❤

If you haven't watched the entire interview (it's over 1 hour), please do. It's startling. I think I'm guilty of not only judgement, but a true ignorance of the deeply painful lives some others lead. I also watched a secular interview by John Bernthal. It's a raw, uncensored interview, definitely not for children to overhear. The language is strong and shocking at times (at least for me), but I was just stunned by the details of his life before the movie. In his story, I was reminded again of the unfailing love our our God, who meets us where we are. I imagine maybe that's how John the Baptist appeared to many religious faithful of his time- wild, wooly, brazen. Let's be clear, he is not a saint (nor are any of us), but with God's grace... he could be! He will need prayers to grow his faith while battling the Hollywood culture. I know that the Holy Spirit wanted me to hear his story--and that I will be praying for him for a long time. Thanks Matt for your refreshing candor. Your statement about "joining the team" was lovely. Sounds like our good Lord provided you a tender mercy in His reminder of Charity in the coffee shop.

You don't know what's in his heart any more than I do, than any of us do. Which is to say, we don't. Only Shia and God know.

"but one is the entry into life for all; and in one same way they leave it." Wis 7:6. I think we should keep this verse in mind when looking at celebrity Christians and wondering at their conversions. His job makes him no less or more special to God than any one of us and, just like everyone else, his conversion is/will be a life-long process with ups and downs and failures and triumphs. It is to the common good of the whole Church that her members constantly build one another up and offer blessing and always regard one another with the love and dignity that God declares us worthy of. And when correction is needed, to offer it charitably and solely for the good of the other: not trying to prove ourselves righteous. Thank you for what you do, Matt and team!

That’s a good point at the end about why we love. Like St. Bernard’s construct, ie., we start out loving ourselves for our sake, then loving God for our sake, then loving God for God’s then loving ourselves for Gods sake. I think Shia ‘s conversion left a permanent mark. I’m sure he will sin as part of the human condition….but a lot less. This is fun.

I've always been so impressed at his amazing acting talent and thought he was just given a raw deal in Hollywood. I'm glad he never fit in with the likes of them. I believe he is absolutely authentic in his journey but it is even hard for some of us cradle Catholics to keep immersed in our wonderful faith. He will have more pressure on him, being in the public eye. I pray for him and us all to maintain our journey to sainthood.

At 7:40min... I love that you point this out. We can not create a catholic church for perfect catholics! Being judgemental instead of showing mercy and showing the face of Jesus to others is our calling. Sometimes catholic podcasts come across as "we are perfect and you are not" lol. Praying for you and all conversions. Love your podcast. 🙏

I think St. Augustines "Confessions" (in a more contemporary edition) would be a good read for Shia. Also just reading his life too would be good. It got me good as I have had several moments like Shias, where I was at rock bottom. The thing that got me the most was a quote from St. Augustine: Every Saint has a past and every sinner has a future.

I agree with you on so many of your points. I have always struggled when we uphold celebrities who are Catholic as these "speakers" of the faith. Yes and amen that we have to look to the saints and their example. I also agree that we shouldn't use his conversion story for a team's sake. I saw that start to happen in certain circles after the interview and I was very uncomfortable about that. Mostly because they picked one piece of his conversion story and made it sound like that was the only thing that brought him to the Catholic Church. If you listen to the entire interview, you see that his conversion story was a bunch of different things that ultimately lead him embrace the Catholic Faith not one specific thing. I can see why people are cynical about his conversion story. I do hope that he did convert because he went through a lot and experienced God through people, liturgy, prayer, and many other ways. It is a beautiful story.

Glad to hear how you struggle with judgement in your head. I ask the Holy Spirit to help me with that struggle all the time.

There is skepticism about whether the conversion is genuine or whether it will stick when it comes to celebrities, understandably. But we have to remember that we all started somewhere, and we all have likely fallen since then and got back up at some point, some maybe sooner than others. I heard a pastor say about people who keep having to confess and repent of the same sin, "I don't get concerned when they keep confessing the same sin. I get concerned when they stop."

I am so happy for Shia. God comes to us at our darkest times. This past Sunday the priest said something that we can forget at times. Judge all you want, but doesn't matter. What matters is the judgement of our lord at the end of our life.

Anyone know when and where we can watch the movie Padre Pio? I've been asking in different platforms and still no answer. We live in San Antonio Texas

I thought the interview was great. Shia comes across as very genuine. I am happy for him but we need to pray for him. The only thing was it seems he didn't understand why he couldn't receive communion. It takes more than being validly baptized lol! Other than that he is who The Church was created by Christ for. God bless him! Also Matt you made me laugh with your story about the girl in the coffee shop. You are not alone however with your internal judgments. I am guilty too. A good way to combat this is when ever you feel that thought coming on just make the sign of the cross for that person.

Please say a prayer for my husband. He's started reading my copy of your book. It's really been opening his eyes how sinful he has been, but also bringing the abuse he's experienced in front of him. I'm doing my best to walk with him, but I'm feeling stuck in knowing how to help him. I have been encouraging therapy and spiritual direction.

I've never heard of this Shia, geezer, but apparently a lot of people have, what's he famous for, I often hear people that're called entertainers that I've never heard of, where I live in England, I hearing on the box on satirical shows like Have I Got News For You, of a family called Cardasian, not sure of spelling, I still don't know who they are and what they're supposed famous for, but who ever this Shia, geezer is and if is genuine in becoming a Catholic or if he already has, then I pray that he gets filled from head to toe with the Holy Spirit, and may God bless him,

The Australian Plaque being upside down, literally describes how I feel about my country. Very subtle Matt, love it! 😂

I thought it was a really good video! And what you said about sitting in that coffee shop and how your brain picks people apart. Mine does the same thing ..it's a constant battle. It usually happens in church ..with the way women dress.

I watched Bp Barron's interview with Shia Labouf and I thought the insight he expressed was an authentic experience of God's love or better an authentic encounter of God's presence in others, and in the scriptures; the body of Christ, His church. It was close to my own experience during my sister's conversion. It was proximity. Grace fell on me because I was standing next to her when she received it. It's God and His gentle power to touch us the way He said He would. You just fix your heart and mind and eyes on Me and let Me do the rest. And let Him have His way and His love spills out on those we encounter.

I think Shia's change of heart is marvelous and we should pray for his protection and continued conversion. However can we also pray for and be concerned for his alleged victims? He repeatedly admits to being abusive to others and inability to be faithful in a relationship. I pray for their healing and also that he should be held accountable to whatever he has done to harm them.

not to put too much weight on your shoulders, but you're one of three Catholics on the internet I trust...Thanks for the great videos

I think it's awesome that he converted! It made me really happy. I like his story too, it sounds pretty amazing, and cool! As for the way people dress, I personally believe people should dress nice and respectfully for Mass and for example of they're a woman preferably wear a modest dress to Mass. Outside of Mass if people aren't well dressed or whatever for me it's not really as bad it's just that I see certain outfits as having poor taste. However for places like work or school there should be some level of modesty and dressing nice.

I was super skeptical as well. He’s an out of the box strange actor. I saw it all as an act. I pray for him and it was good to see him have his first communion.

Bishop Barron, like you, Matt, are gifts to the Catholic Church.

Matt, Did you sign the book for the girl in the coffee shop.

I think it’s genuine from Shia, I recently became a Catholic a year ago and it has been life changing for me internally and spiritually.

God is the greatest teacher if we are willing to listen!

7:00 you were in Mankato? Small world, wish I would've caught you

Matt, your comment about your interior experience when you're not trusting God and start seeing with a critical eye the people around you == helped me to understand my process that I go through - so similar!- 1. not trusting in God's love and providential care . 2. start to get nervous, scared. 3 become more and more judgmental. 4.feel like I have to order the world around me since I'm not trusting God. 5. take it upon myself to say who's in and who's out in my head, lots of judgment. 6. get angry, or rather, cynical, i.e. "This is so ridiculous" 7. head just keeps going round and round in this criticism mode. I have asked the Lord to help me understand what is going on in my thought processes. Thank you, and Praise God.

Go Shia!! Two steps forward, one step back. It's a journey for us all no matter if we are cradle Catholics or converts!!

I listen to what you say about the girl in the cafeteria and I remember the testimony of Juan Manuel Cotelo, a Spanish producer, in which he tells about a day when he sees a woman passing by in front of his car and when he sees how she is dressed he thinks that She is a prostitute and she feels in her heart when the Lord tells her: be careful, she is my daughter. He continues looking at her and judging her and the Lord tells him again: be careful, she is my daughter. It is difficult for us to see others with mercy without judging, without making comments with which we believe we are going to improve their lives, but this is never the case. It is not a simple task; we must ask God for that grace.

Great reminders of the love that Our Lord would have had with nonbelievers that came in his path.

The most important thing for a new Catholic is confession. If you have serious sin without absolution Grace is compromised. Grace is for faith (doesn't necessarily make you happy) which will help in the long race. He also has to be very specific to ask God to hold on to him no matter what. If you invite Him He will not go. If you don't invite Him He will not come.

Can you want a person's conversion for both them and the team? Having certain people on the team can bring others onto the team which is what we're called to do.

Honestly, I've seen people saying their doubts about him. But I think we ought to pray for him, he honestly seemed very genuine in the interview. But, he needs the prayers of the Church for support (we all do honestly lol).

You skipped the comments on the Latin Mass, and his views on the Guitar Mass…

“Look to the saints…” Great advice.

2:53 I'm not casting stones at all just wondering about the timeline or circumstances but he also said years ago that he had researched Christianity and become a devout Christian while getting into his character for the war movie Fury. I wonder if and what changes there were for him spiritually between those two movies

Where do we go to watch this movie?

I think each of us has some conversion of heart that pushes us towards Christ. His is a little more public since he is an actor. Pray for him that he continues his walk towards our savior. He is no different from any other person.

Quick question…didn’t Bishop Barron say Hell is empty, or nobody goes to hell? Something along those lines? Thanks for any correction of I’m wrong.