The release emphasized the priest’s impact even after his death.
“Since his passing, numerous stories of his impact have come out — including marriages healed, wayward lives transformed and young people considering vocations,” the release read. “His amazing story is now being shared nationwide through the biographical film, ‘Father Stu.’”
Released in theaters earlier this year, the movie starring Wahlberg delves into the story of the priest who died of a rare progressive muscle disorder in 2014 at the age of 50.
Father Stu had a late vocation to the priesthood. Before his ordination, he pursued careers in boxing, acting, teaching, and even museum management. He was also known for his no-nonsense and, at times, rough demeanor.
While he grew up in an agnostic family, two factors drew him to Catholicism: his Catholic girlfriend and a near-fatal motorcycle accident. He decided to enter the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and, at the moment of his baptism, he felt called to become a priest.
Father Stu, who found out about his disease near the end of his seminary formation, said at his ordination that he embraced his cross, according to Catholic Extension.