Jonathon Roumie’s Favorite Saints
In a recent interview with EWTN news Jonathan Roumie explains why the Communion of Saints is critical to his own spirituality and he then shares who he leans on in Heaven, his favorite Saints.
Jonathon Roumi plays Jesus in The Chosen and he has the best view of what it looks like to be surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. More than any other Jesus film, The Chosen’s focus is mostly on ‘the chosen’. Those who encountered Jesus and whose lives were radically changed on the spot. The Chosen is really a series about the Saints of the early Church. People like Saint Peter, Saint John, Saint Matthew, Saint Mary Magdalene etc..
As a Catholic, Jonathan knows that the Communion of Saints or you might say, 'the Chosen' was exemplified in that early Church…
In the primitive community of Jerusalem, the disciples ‘devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and the prayers." Communion in the faith. The faith of the faithful is the faith of the Church, received from the apostles. Faith is a treasure of life which is enriched by being shared.-CCC 949
Jonathon seems to have a very strong Catholic idea of the importance of sharing one’s faith in a community of believers both the seen (Church Militant) and the unseen (Church Triumphant).
“I think finding the right community is key. It's vital. If you don't have some sort of community, some sort of faith community, some sort of outlet with which you can share your faith and feel like you have support…it's going to be that much harder. The Enemy always is looking to divide us against each other and to tear us apart…when we're singled out and isolated and and just you know uh in a state of solitude and we don't have that kind of faith community to rely on then we're much more susceptible to the enemy attacking us and making us think twice about, you know, the the utility of religion or faith or the the reality of God. You know and Christ himself says, ‘Whenever two or more are present in my name I am there with you’."
From the example of so many saints in his everyday life, Jonathan feels called to their ranks. “I can aspire to sainthood. That's my goal. Will I get there? Probably not. I mean, I got a few days in purgatory at least at the very minimum.”
He understands that prayer and sacraments are the key to living in a Communion of Saints and the lifeline of sanctification. “I need to make sure I'm exercising the sacraments and going to confession and receiving the Eucharist…”
The fruit of all the sacraments belongs to all the faithful. All the sacraments are sacred links uniting the faithful with one another and binding them to Jesus Christ, and above all Baptism, the gate by which we enter into the Church. the communion of saints must be understood as the communion of the sacraments.... the name 'communion' can be applied to all of them, for they unite us to God.... But this name is better suited to the Eucharist than to any other, because it is primarily the Eucharist that brings this communion about.-CCC 950
He is also keenly aware of the help that the Saints are willing to give us through their intercession. “...and asking for the help of all those in the cloud of witnesses that came before us, the saints...
Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness.... They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us, as they proffer the merits which they acquired on earth through the one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus.... So by their fraternal concern is our weakness greatly helped. -CCC 956
So who does Jonathon call on when he is in most need of spiritual help? Who are his ‘go to Saints’? In his words, “Padre Pio and St John Paul II and and St Faustina and all of my friends that have sustained me throughout everything that I've endured.” For someone we associate with 1st century Saints its interesting that his favorite Saints are all from the 20th Century...
Jonathan and St. Padre Pio: On Instagram, he shared about celebrating Padre Pio's feast day. He also recited the St. Padre Pio's Prayer for Trust and Confidence. Prayed by @jonathanroumieofficial after a time of spiritual warfare during his livestream. While filming in Italy, he has also visited the sanctuary dedicated to Padre Pio, referring to him as a "powerful saint". After receiving Communion, Jonathan often prays the Padre Pio prayer, ‘Stay With Me’. The first few lines are as follows. “Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have You present so that I do not forget You. You know how easily I abandon You. Stay with me, Lord, because I am weak and I need Your strength, that I may not fall so often…”
Jonathan and St. John Paul II: On All Saints Day 2023, Jonathan shared on Instagram the words of St. Pope John Paul II, “Do not be afraid, do not be afraid. Open your heart. The deepest joy in life is the joy that comes from God...”-. Jonathan said, “When I listened to it this morning it struck me to the core. I probably heard this when it was first delivered back in 1987 to the youth of America. May it bless you the way it has blessed me today on this sacred feast of the Saints. God bless you.” In looking at Jonathon posing in front of a picture of the Polish Saint, I realized that he probably connects with Saint Pope John Paul II because they are both actors. Jonathan has said as much in his previous interviews.
Jonathan and St. Faustina: Jonathan knows the story of St. Faustina. The first time he played Jesus was in the multimedia production, Faustina: Messenger of Divine Mercy, which focuses on the life and visions of Saint Faustina Kowalska. He said that his connection to the Divine Mercy devotion, which is central to St. Faustina's story is what ultimately led to him being cast in the role. When he appears on live stream the wall behind him features an image of Divine Mercy.
