Mark Wahlberg, 51, discussed balancing his public image with his Catholic faith on Today, sporting an ashen cross for Ash Wednesday. He emphasized not imposing his beliefs on others, stating, “I don’t want to jam it down anybody’s throat, but I do not deny my faith. That’s an even bigger sin.” Wahlberg, a Father Stu actor and Catholic app Hallow spokesperson, shared his fasting habits—abstaining from meat, a single meal on Ash Wednesday, and Fridays during Lent. Fasting, he believes, helps people become “better versions of themselves.”

Mark Wahlberg is joining us to talk about the Catholic prayer app ‘Hallow,’ discusses fasting, opens up about why it’s important for him to not deny his faith, shares why he doesn’t force Catholicism onto his children, and more. pic.twitter.com/TrUy1g9eMT

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) February 22, 2023

Wahlberg views discipline as pivotal, benefiting his transition from music to movies. He considers religion “everything” and aims to create meaningful content, hoping his film Father Stu sets a precedent in Hollywood. Despite his devotion, Wahlberg avoids imposing his faith on his children, preferring they find their own path through observation. He shared, “If it works for Dad, maybe it’ll work for us.”