Catholic movie star, Mark Wahlberg reveals how important prayer and faith are in his life

Credits parish priest with changing his life

Hollywood star, Mark Wahlberg reveals how powerful faith is to his life during a personal interview with Square Mile.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Devout Catholic and star of popular movies, such as 'The Departed,' 'Ted' and the recently released 'Daddy's Home,' Wahlberg opened up about how his parish priest ultimately saved his life.

Wahlberg grew up as one of nine children to a Catholic family in Dorchester, Massachusetts, according to the Catholic Herald. As a young teen, Wahlberg became easily recognized as that "kid from the wrong side of the tracks." He engaged in criminal activity, had a cocaine addiction and spent quite a bit of time in jail.

The star attributes his inspiring life turnaround to the parish priest that directly mentored him and helped him "back onto the straight and narrow."

"I pray every day and try to go to church every day. My faith in God is what makes me a better man," he expressed to Square Mile. "It's the most important part of my life. I pray that I will live up to my intention to be the best husband and father than I can be."

"I never would have been able to change my life and have the success and love that I have in my world today without my faith."

Many years later, Wahlberg has reached a point in his life that he can be proud of. He has been successfully married since 2001 and has four children of his own.

"I just try to be around for them as much as I can and be the kind of father who they know will always care and love them with all my heart and soul," he explained. "I pray that I will live up to my intention to be the best husband and father than I can be."

Wahlberg stands as an inspiration for all troubled youth. Looking at his story shows how, with determination and faith, anything can be achieved.

All things are possible with God.