As Lent begins, Mark Wahlberg is once again speaking openly about faith - this time with a renewed emphasis on mortality, discipline, and eternal perspective.
Appearing on February 18 alongside The Chosen actor Jonathan Roumie, Wahlberg reflected on the meaning of Ash Wednesday and the 40-day journey toward Easter. Now 54, the actor said that growing older has sharpened his awareness of how quickly life passes - and how important faith has become in shaping his priorities.
"Life goes by very quickly," Wahlberg said. "I'm hoping that there is something better beyond this life."
A Season of Return
For Wahlberg, Lent represents more than a religious observance. It is, as he described it, "the beginning of this return to the Lord."
He explained that the season is about fasting from habits that hinder growth and "feasting on the things that do" - including prayer, generosity, and spiritual discipline.
"It's really about doing something every day to improve yourself," he said. "To be kinder, more thoughtful, generous, understanding and patient."
The actor emphasized that these 40 days are not meant to be temporary adjustments, but foundations for long-term change.
"Hopefully people carry these things on long after Easter and it becomes a daily routine."
Growing Closer to God
Wahlberg has long been vocal about his Catholic faith, but he said that as he has gotten older, his sense of responsibility has deepened.
"The more I prayed and reflected on it, it was my responsibility to continue to share my story with other people," he said. "Every day trying to grow closer to God."
He described beginning each morning on his knees in prayer, explaining that it helps him face the unpredictability of life with greater steadiness.
"As we know, difficulties come from everywhere out of the blue," Wahlberg said. "Faith gives you comfort in difficult times."
That discipline, he noted, has strengthened him both personally and professionally.
Encouraging the Next Generation
Now in his mid-50s, Wahlberg said his priorities have shifted significantly. While he remains active in Hollywood, he is increasingly focused on leaving a spiritual legacy for his children.
Rather than forcing religious practice, he chooses to model consistency.
"They know that dad can't miss Mass," he said. "The day has to start on my hands and my knees."
Wahlberg acknowledged that faith journeys look different for everyone, especially young people, but he hopes his example will influence them over time.
Jonathan Roumie on Spiritual Discipline
Jonathan Roumie, best known for portraying Jesus in The Chosen, joined Wahlberg in discussing the spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Roumie described Lent as a reminder that life is temporary and ultimately rooted in God.
"We have to remember who we are in God and who He's created us to be," Roumie said. "When we're serving Him with the gifts and talents He's given us, life becomes better and more manageable with Him than without Him."
Both actors are participating in the Hallow app's "Pray 40" initiative, which offers daily guided reflections throughout Lent. The challenge encourages users to build spiritual accountability and consistency during the season.
"For everybody it's going to be different," Roumie said about fasting. "But anytime you're encountering the Lord and asking for His help, He will help you."
Faith in a Chaotic World
In a culture often centered on fame and achievement, Wahlberg's message was noticeably grounded in humility and preparation for eternity.
He spoke candidly about loss, aging, and the desire to reunite with loved ones beyond this life.
"I've dealt with a lot of loss in my life," he shared. "I hope to continue to grow, make amends, and utilize the talents and gifts that have been given to me to serve God's purpose."
As Lent begins, his message is less about celebrity and more about surrender - a reminder that discipline, prayer, and perspective shape more than just a season.
They shape a life.
