These familiar faces have brought wisdom, hope, joy and faith in a difficult year for many.
We often hear celebrity stories in the press that aren’t exactly inspiring. However, beyond the lights of Hollywood, there are men and women who inspire with their faith and actions.
Here are just a few of the men and women who have forever engraved your name with their words or actions in 2022:
Denzel Washington
The Hollywood veteran chimed in with some words of wisdom when things got out of hand at this year’s Oscars.
Denzel Washington’s wise advice to Will Smith at the Oscars.
Lady Gaga
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During the same ceremony, the talented singer and actress showed the importance of kindness and compassion towards the vulnerable.
During the controversial Oscar ceremony, sadly all attention was focused on the slapstick of Will Smith and Chris Rock. However, there was one other moment that went unnoticed but deserves praise: when Lady Gaga extended a hand of encouragement to 76-year-old Minnelli when the Best Picture winner was announced.
Minelli has been out of the public eye for some time, having fought against the complications of encephalitis. So it was a real treat of hers to see her make her Oscar appearance, with one of her biggest fans, Lady Gaga, by her side.
The two stars lit up the stage as they prepared to present their award, and a slightly overwhelmed Minnelli, who was confined to a wheelchair, looked to her protégé for support. As the women announced the award, Lady Gaga took Minnelli’s hand and said reassuringly: “See? The public loves you.”
When it came time to announce the winner, Minnelli was confused by the envelopes and said, “I don’t understand.” Again, Lady Gaga was there softly saying, “Got it.”
As the pair watched Best Picture clips, Lady Gaga offered Minnelli further comfort by leaning over to gently say, “Got you.” Minnelli replied with a simple “I know”.
John Cena
The actor, also known for his incredible strength, has used his celebrity status to bring unprecedented joy to vulnerable children:
John Cena visits a boy with Down syndrome fleeing war.
Shia LaBeouf
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The faithful opened their arms and welcomed the once rebellious actor who returned to the Catholic faith after his incredible conversion story. Their experience reminded us all that God never gives up on us and we must not give up on Him:
The protagonist of “Transformers” becomes a Catholic thanks to Padre Pio.
Mick Souza
Another muscular man also shared his incredible confidence in an eye-opening interview. The former Mr. Universe expressed his joy at the Eucharist and how the sacrament encouraged him to return to the Church:
He is Mr. Universe and encourages people to go back to the Catholic Church
Mario Lopez
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The actor and family man Mario Lopez, a practicing Catholic, famous among other films for Saved by the belltook time out of her busy schedule to share an important post from St. Patrick’s Cathedral:
Paul Rudd
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The comedian decided to share a little kindness when he saw that a young boy had no friends to sign his yearbook with. Addressing the boy and his family, Rudd shed light on the need to stand up to bullies:
Paul Rudd’s adorable gesture to a bullied child
Andrea Bocelli
Evan Agostini/Invision/East News
The opera singer and his wife shared the inspirational letter they sent to their daughter on her First Communion:
The beautiful letter that Andrea Bocelli and his wife wrote to their daughter on the occasion of her First Communion
Nocturnal bird
The beautiful singer touched the hearts of all who heard her story, her faith and her battle with cancer. And she too in her last moments continued to spread her message of hope and love:
Nightbirde’s last words about sadness before dying
8 powerful Nightbirde quotes that will fill you with hope.
Mark Wahlberg
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No celebrity list would be complete without this action movie celebrity, fan of fitness and father of four children. While Wahlberg has personally inspired his followers with his faith, he has also introduced us to the incredible Father Stuart Long through his determination to share his story:
Mark Wahlberg talks to Aleteia about Father Stu.
