Producer Jim Wahlberg (also the brother of actor Mark Wahlberg) helped create a new film about the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist entitled, "Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist."
The documentary “takes viewers on a global journey to uncover the transformative power of the Eucharist. Through discussions with Catholic leaders and heartfelt personal narratives, the film unveils the Eucharist as Jesus Christ Himself, eagerly desiring to fulfill our spiritual thirst with His boundless love.”
Wahlberg spoke with ChurchPOP editor Jacqueline Burkepile about the importance of the film for Catholics at the red carpet premiere.
The producer discussed how he decided to participate in "Jesus Thirsts" and how the idea originated with the help of Scott Hahn and Deacon Steve Greco.
"What we get to share with the world is going to be beautiful. It's beautiful and we're very thrilled with the way he came out," he said. "I think that it will it's cause for conversation."
Wahlberg also appears in the film to discuss prison ministry. Through Saint Teresa of Calcutta's influence, the producer experienced a powerful conversion after spending several years in prison.
"That's where I found Jesus," Wahlberg says. "I feel like you're more likely to find Jesus in the dark dingy places in the world than you are in the brightly lit, everybody's happy kind of places. And where is he needed more? Right? Where is He needed more than the people who are completely hopeless, helpless, in despair, in the darkest, in the violent, dangerous places?"
He also shares his experience ministering to prisoners. He says one of the men told him he is "the happiest I've been in 10 years and I'm doing life."
"I went into that prison and was thinking, you know, 'Like hey, I'm a guy that had this experience and I'm coming back to share with these poor guys.' I got way more out of it than I brought to it. I can tell you that. I met men in love with Jesus.– in love with the Eucharist that were really joyful," Wahlberg says.
"It was a beautiful experience. It was a beautiful opportunity to be with them and to have the opportunity to have Mass with Bishop [David] Toups and to have adoration and then to spend a little bit of time sharing God's love and mercy and the graces that I've been that the grace is on I've had poured out over me."
Wahlberg later shares why he encourages people to make a point to see "Jesus Thirsts."
He says the film is a special opportunity for those who do not believe in the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
"When over 70 percent of the people in the pews don't believe in the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist then we've got a problem, right? We got a big problem," he says. "It's an opportunity I think for them to learn more and to take this journey, and I really hope that people will see this film."
Wahlberg also hopes "Jesus Thirsts" will inspire a deeper devotion to the Eucharist.
"I hope that after seeing the film, folks will just commit to going to adoration. Just go for a few minutes," he encourages. "You don't have to do anything, you don't have to say anything, you don't have to know anything. Just go and be present and just listen."