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The Powerful Catholic Conversion Story of Jim Wahlberg

In this episode of The Catholic Talk Show, the guys are joined by filmmaker Jim Wahlberg, the big brother of Mark & Donnie Wahlberg, who shares his powerful conversion story.

Episode 90:
In this episode, we will discuss:
• How drugs and alcohol ended him up in prison
• How a visit from Mother Theresa in prison changed his life
• How a Catholic prison Chaplin “hustled” him
• His work to combat opioid addiction
• His upcoming book “The Big Hustle” and film “What About The Kids”
• and much more


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10 comments on The Powerful Catholic Conversion Story of Jim Wahlberg

  1. Andrea says:

    Hi guys,
    I was mesmerized by Jim’s story. (Although I did check out the funny wandering dog and water bottle guy out in the hallway behind him.) The encounter he had with Mother Theresa at that prison visit during his second incarceration WAS the love of God brought to him. What a beautiful woman of God was Mother Theresa. Jim’s journey from maximum security to minimum security in prison was proof enough for him that God was delivering him out of darkness and the void. God’s mercy and love and forgiveness. Then his mother recognized that God was within him and he was no longer empty. I was so happy that he became a loving active member of his family again. Such a beautiful story he shared with all of us.

    Boston is indeed a Catholic stronghold. Bernard Cardinal Law and his complicity during the expose of sexual abuses shocked and angered many. People felt betrayed which they were.

    RS, you made a good point. There is a “honeymoon period” with God during your conversion then afterward you have to keep it alive and stay on your journey. Jim, I am sorry you had another break from God but so glad your feet are now back firmly on the path. It is never easy and addictions stay with you until death from what I have heard. It is a blessing when they can be controlled but that has to be hard work every single day. You chose well as far as a wife from the sound of it. Fr. Rich called her a sacrament.

    Retreats are a good thing and yes, God sends us all many signs when we most need to see them and think of Him. I loved that Jim shared his with all of us as they serve to validate our own personal experiences. You are right Jim. He is telling you that you have to do the work. I too am lazy and maybe we do expect God to do it all for us. Or, sometimes we don’t know what we need to do. What is our role and what is God’s role. That is not always clear either. I agree with you Jim, nothing is too big for God.

    RD, you are right. It is our presence with others that help them and ourselves. Many encounters are not just ones of chance or meaningless. I can name those who came into my presence who needed to. Either I needed them or they needed me or both instances were true. RS, you are right too. A lot of people need to hear Jim’s story for aspiration and inspiration. The man has guts.

    Fr. Rich there is no love where there is judgement. I agree. Mother Theresa was right, each time you judge someone you have no time to just love them. Such a gentle, tender heart she had. Unbelievable how she spent her whole life in such service to the poor and neglected.

    Thank you for the saint recommendations guys! I make no deals with God, however, if I can help it. He is not anyone I want to renege on.

    God bless you Jim and everyone. I pray that we all stay safe and healthy during this pandemic and period of racial violence in America.

  2. James says:

    You guys are the bomb
    Amazed with Jim’s Story, I am actually from the same neighborhood.
    I love the Wahlbergs. From Donnie and Paul and Marky Mark
    NOW James Jimmy Jim joins the list
    His mom is lucky, St least 2 practicing Catholics
    God bless
    James A

  3. Connie G says:

    I needed to hear this in the worst way! Thank you, Jim for sharing your story. The Holy Spirit led me to this episode tonight! I am so looking forward to reading your book and seeing the movie. Thank you so much! Through the sharing of your testimony, it has opened my eyes to so many patterns and feelings that I can relate to in my own life. Thank you also, Ryan, Ryan and Father Rich, for inviting Jim to speak. It’s like a lightbulb went on in my head, and it makes so much sense to me now. God bless you all!

    God Bless you all!
    Connie G

  4. David Robak says:

    The Lord b with u, and your Spirit
    May the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, come down on u and remain with you 4ever. AMEN
    GO in ✌✌🏻✌🏼✌🏽✌🏾✌🏿 thanks be to God
    (From: Concluding Rite
    Mass of 13 sep 2015 the Twenty-4th Sunday in Ordinary Time).
    The Lord’s Supper…

    ———————

    I was interesting to listen…
    Take care, have nice day.
    Greetings from Holland

    David Robak

  5. Mark Graff says:

    This episode gets better each time I actually “contemplate” and hit pause to reflect.
    Brothers, I’ve been in some of those very similar darkness spots. God Bless you all and know that your Patrons pray for your Ministry

  6. Jim’s story was so inspiring, as are all of yours. I greatly appreciate the transparency with which you all speak of the way God led you to deeper relationships with Him and how you all found your place in the Church. Another commenter said they were mesmerized by Jim’s story. I would echo that. Thank you for the work you do to bring these stories to us.

  7. Eve says:

    It’s all about AA and the 12 step program. Go to a an AA meeting or connect thru zoom. It’s got nothing to do with being Catholic either. Connection with God to get us clean and sober is available for anyone who reaches out.

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