The Word on Fire Institute, founded by Bishop Robert Barron, launched a program earlier this month designed to support young men amid a national mental health crisis.
Amid a crisis of loneliness and mental health, especially for young men, the ministry “Redemption” is a resource for young men struggling with depression, suicidal ideation, or other mental health issues. Redemption also seeks to address “the existential crisis of meaning that is gripping young men,” Barron told Fox News Digital.
When asked about the timeliness of the ministry, Word on Fire CEO Father Steve Grunow told CNA: “Alarming studies indicate that large numbers of men in our culture are in crisis and that help and support that is specific to their needs and concerns is not in proportion to the problems they face.”
And there’s this:
Redemption was launched because of a request from actor Shia LaBeouf, who joined the Catholic Church after his on-screen portrayal of Padre Pio in a 2022 film led him to a love of the Catholic faith.
“Shia Labeouf asked Bishop Barron if Word on Fire could provide help to men who, like himself, are alone and in crisis,” Grunow said.
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LaBeouf had stayed with a monastic community of Capuchin friars to prepare for the role of Padre Pio, but he “found in the Capuchin friars mentors and friends who were willing to let him into their community despite the fact that he was, in his own words, ‘on fire, radioactive,’” Grunow explained.
“[Labeouf] asked if Bishop Barron, through the auspices of Word on Fire, could facilitate, with the help of Capuchin friars, an outreach to men who were at a limit and had run out of options,” Grunow explained. “The Word on Fire Institute Redemption community emerged from Shia’s request and the Capuchin friars’ willingness to help.”
Bishop Barron told Fox News Digital:
“Look at the manner that the culture encourages the worst behaviors and, once lives are ruined, offers no chance at redemption. Consider how the culture simultaneously holds men to high standards while at the same time denigrating them as toxic and buffoons,” the bishop continued. “Finally, men are more and more socially isolated, having few if any friends or mentors.”
The program will offer regular virtual meetings, online resources, and spiritual counseling for men around the world seeking community or religious guidance.
