19 Facts About Stuart Long

Stuart Ignatius Long was an American boxer and Catholic priest who developed a rare progressive muscle disorder.

Stuart Long was portrayed by Mark Wahlberg in the 2022 biopic Father Stu.

Stuart Ignatius Long was born in Seattle on July 26,1963, to William "Bill" Long and Kathleen Long.

Stuart Long graduated from Capital High School in Helena in 1981, where he played football and wrestled.

Stuart Long attended Carroll College, a private Catholic college in Helena.

Stuart Long played football for two years and began boxing.

In 1985, Stuart Long won the Golden Gloves heavyweight title for the state of Montana, he won runner-up in 1986.

Stuart Long graduated from Carroll in 1986, with a degree in English literature and writing.

Stuart Long experienced a religious conversion after a near-death motorcycle accident in 1992.

Stuart Long had brain swelling and was not expected to survive, but recovered.

However, Stuart Long felt a call to the priesthood at this time.

Stuart Long was sent to Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he earned a master's degree in philosophy.

However, after two years, the Franciscans encouraged Long to consider diocesan priesthood, and he was accepted as a seminarian by Helena bishop Robert C Morlino, who sent him to Mt.

Stuart Long became despondent, but later developed a determination to live the faith with the time he had left.

Stuart Long was ordained a transitional deacon in 2006, but seminary formators had doubts about whether he could fulfill his duties as a priest, and considered making him a permanent deacon instead.

When he was not healed, Stuart Long was devastated and felt abandoned, but after visiting the grotto a second time, he felt a profound peace.

Stuart Long was popular there, but had to be transferred to another parish after a year due to difficulty with the church's stairs.

Stuart Long's parents went through RCIA and were received into the Catholic Church, and many of the healthcare workers at the care facility converted to Catholicism.

Stuart Long was buried at Resurrection Cemetery in Lewis and Clark County, Montana.