Father Stu 2022

In the unassuming town of Helena, Montana, Stuart Long’s tempestuous relationship with his parents simmers just below the surface. The lingering effects of his brother’s passing have left an indelible mark on their household, and Stuart’s own aspirations are forever tangled in the undertow of their hostility towards faith. As he sets out to make a name for himself in the City of Angels, Stuart finds solace in the anonymity of a grocery store job, all while secretly nurturing his dreams of stardom.

However, Stuart’s pursuit of fame is repeatedly foiled by a series of misadventures, including a DUI arrest and an ill-fated attempt to commandeer his father’s truck for an audition. It’s during this tumultuous period that he crosses paths with the enigmatic Carmen, a woman whose allure is matched only by her unwavering commitment to her faith.

As Stuart becomes smitten with Carmen, she presents him with an ultimatum: baptism, followed by a journey through the RCIA program at their local parish. Though initially hesitant, Stuart agrees and soon finds himself immersed in a world of spiritual discovery, befriending kindred spirits like Ham and Jacob along the way. The latter’s disapproving gaze serves as a constant reminder that not everyone is pleased with Stuart’s newfound path.

As Stuart navigates this uncharted terrain, he begins to experience a profound sense of purpose, which is further solidified by his burgeoning relationship with Carmen. However, just as things appear to be falling into place, Stuart faces yet another setback – the loss of his acting role in an infomercial – leading him to seek solace at the local watering hole.

There, he encounters a mysterious figure who warns him against getting behind the wheel after imbibing. Ignoring this sage advice, Stuart decides to take his motorcycle for a spin and ends up in a horrific crash that leaves him clinging to life.

As Stuart drifts in and out of consciousness, he experiences a mystical vision of the Virgin Mary, who implores him not to succumb to his circumstances without leaving a lasting impact. Miraculously, Stuart makes a full recovery, only to find himself reconnected with his father, though their bond remains fragile at best.

In the aftermath of this ordeal, Carmen visits Stuart in his home and they share an intimate moment that seems poised to escalate into something more. However, it becomes clear that Carmen’s actions were motivated by a desire to help Stuart resist temptation, rather than succumb to it.

This realization sparks a profound shift within Stuart, who begins to sense a calling towards the priesthood that supersedes any romantic aspirations he may have harbored. After grappling with these feelings through prayer and contemplation, Stuart ultimately decides to pursue his vocation at the seminary, much to the dismay of those around him.

As Stuart applies for seminary admission and faces initial rejection, Ham and Jacob – now fellow students on their own spiritual journeys – provide a source of comfort and support. Despite facing numerous setbacks along the way, Stuart’s unwavering commitment to his faith ultimately yields a breakthrough, as he is accepted into the seminary program and embarks on a journey that will forever alter the trajectory of his life.

As fate would have it, Stu’s life takes an unexpected turn when he suffers an injury while playing basketball, leaving him unable to get up without assistance. A subsequent diagnosis reveals that he is afflicted with inclusion body myositis, a rare and debilitating muscular disease akin to Lou Gehrig’s syndrome. The prognosis is dire, prompting a mix of emotions within Stu, who initially harbors anger towards God before finding solace in the idea that his suffering can serve as a catalyst for drawing him closer to Christ’s crucifixion. Despite the challenges ahead, Stu perseveres and continues his studies at the seminary with increased determination.

Meanwhile, Carmen, now engaged to another man, pays Stu a visit and offers her unwavering support for his vocation. As time goes by, however, Stu begins to experience a gradual loss of motor control in his hands, rendering him increasingly reliant on others for everyday tasks. The rector, faced with the reality of Stu’s condition, is forced to deliver the sobering news that ordination is no longer an option, citing the inability to perform the Sacraments.

As his physical abilities continue to deteriorate, Stu’s family steps in to provide care and support. His father, seeking redemption for past neglect and absence, finds solace through his participation in Alcoholics Anonymous, acknowledging that he bears some responsibility for Stu’s condition.

Undeterred by his circumstances, a group of devoted parishioners from California petition the Diocese of Helena, championing Stu’s ordination. Their efforts ultimately yield a positive response, and Stu is ordained in the presence of Carmen, Ham, and his parents. As he embarks on ministry in Montana, Stu forms meaningful connections with those around him.

Later, Stu’s physical limitations become too great, and he finds himself confined to a skilled nursing facility. Despite this new reality, his spirit remains unbroken, and people flock to visit him daily, drawn to the warmth and compassion that defines his ministry.

In one poignant encounter, Jacob seeks confession from Stu, revealing that he had pursued ordination solely to please his father, rather than feeling an authentic calling. Stu offers words of wisdom, reassuring Jacob that there are many ways to serve God without feeling pressured to follow a specific path. As Jacob prepares to leave, sensing that this may be their final encounter, Stu’s wisdom and kindness linger within him.

Tragically, Stu’s remarkable life comes full circle as he passes away at the age of 50. A poignant tribute follows, featuring photographs of the real-life Stu at various stages of his life, from childhood to seminarian and ultimately, priest.