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Stuart Long

Stuart Ignatius Long (July 26, 1963 – June 9, 2014) was an American amateur boxer and Roman Catholic priest known for his dramatic life transformation from a wayward athlete to a devoted cleric, despite battling a debilitating progressive muscle disorder. Born in , and raised in , after his family relocated when he was a toddler, Long excelled in sports during his youth, graduating from Capital High School in 1981. He attended , where he played football and wrestled, before pursuing a career in ; he won the Montana Golden Gloves heavyweight title in 1985 and was runner-up in 1986, though a necessary jaw surgery derailed his professional ambitions. A near-fatal accident in 1992 prompted Long's spiritual awakening and conversion to Catholicism, initially motivated by his desire to marry his girlfriend, , who had introduced him to the faith. This event led him to discern a to the priesthood; after leaving his position as manager of the in , in 1998, he taught at a , served with the Capuchin Friars, and earned a in from , . Long was diagnosed with inclusion body myositis, a rare and incurable inflammatory muscle disease, during his seminary years, which caused progressive weakness and required him to use crutches by the time of his ordination on December 14, 2007, at the Cathedral of Saint Helena in his hometown. Despite initial diocesan concerns about his health and temperament, he was ordained and initially served as parochial vicar at Little Flower Parish in Browning, Montana, before transferring to Anaconda in 2008 and serving until 2010, and then as chaplain at the Big Sky Care Center in Helena starting in 2010, where he celebrated Mass, offered confessions, and provided spiritual counsel from a power wheelchair as his condition worsened. Long's story of redemption and perseverance in suffering inspired many in the Diocese of Helena, earning him a reputation as a beloved figure who embraced his cross as a testament to faith, and his life later formed the basis for the 2022 Father Stu, portraying his journey from boxer to . He passed away at the Big Sky Care Center at age 50, leaving a legacy of resilient ministry amid physical decline.

Early Life

Childhood and Family Background

Stuart Long was born on July 26, 1963, in , , to William "Bill" Long and Kathleen (née Kindrick) Long. As a toddler, his family relocated to their hometown of , where Long spent the remainder of his childhood and formative years. Raised in a modest household in this small Western town, he experienced a close-knit family dynamic. He had four siblings: , Scott (married to Kathy), Amy (married to Tom), and Stephen (who predeceased him). Long grew up in an agnostic family environment, with limited exposure to during his early years; his parents emphasized a general belief in but did not enforce regular or specific denominational practices. As a , he was known for his intense and outgoing personality, often displaying a playful yet mischievous streak that led him into various scrapes and troubles, including street fights and reckless escapades typical of a spirited adolescent in a rural setting. These traits shaped an initial centered on physicality and rather than . From an early age, Long demonstrated exceptional athletic talent, which became a defining aspect of his youth and helped channel his energy. At Capital High School in Helena, he participated actively in wrestling and , excelling in both sports and earning recognition for his competitive drive. This early involvement in athletics not only built his physical prowess but also foreshadowed his later pursuits in more structured competitive arenas, all while his lack of religious upbringing left spiritual questions unaddressed until later life stages.

Education and Early Interests

Stuart Long attended Capital High School in , graduating in 1981. There, he distinguished himself as a standout in wrestling and , playing as an offensive tackle for the school's Bruins team and earning recognition as the best offensive linesman during his senior year. Following high school, Long enrolled at , a Catholic institution in Helena, where he continued his athletic pursuits by playing on the Saints team for two years. He graduated in 1986 with a degree in and writing. During this period, he began to shift his focus away from the gridiron toward other interests. Growing up in an agnostic family, Long showed little engagement with religious matters in his youth. At , Long developed a strong passion for , training rigorously and competing in local matches. To support himself financially while pursuing his studies and athletic endeavors, he worked various odd jobs, including as a at bars and nightclubs in Helena.

Boxing Career

Amateur Achievements

Stuart Long transitioned from playing football at Carroll College to pursuing amateur boxing, where he quickly established himself as a formidable heavyweight competitor. In 1985, Long won the Montana Golden Gloves heavyweight title, a prestigious regional amateur tournament that highlighted his rising prowess in the sport. He followed this victory by finishing as runner-up in the 1986 Montana Golden Gloves heavyweight division, further solidifying his competitive standing. Through his participation in these and other regional tournaments during the , Long built a reputation for his powerful, muscular physique—honed from prior athletic endeavors—and his relentless determination in the ring. His aggressive, hard-hitting style was evident in bouts against local opponents, where he demonstrated the intensity that defined his approach to the sport. Long's successes fueled his aspirations to turn professional, leading him to maintain rigorous training regimens that emphasized strength and to prepare for potential pro-level fights. Notable among his experiences were competitive matches in Montana's amateur circuit, which showcased his potential as a prizefighter and drew attention from local communities.

Transition to Other Pursuits

In his mid-20s, following a jaw injury that necessitated reconstructive surgery and effectively ended his amateur boxing career, Stuart Long relocated from Helena, Montana, to Los Angeles to pursue opportunities in acting, drawing on his athletic build honed through years in the ring. This move represented a deliberate pivot toward the entertainment industry, where he sought to capitalize on his physical presence for on-screen roles. Long secured minor parts in films and television productions, often uncredited or small-scale, including bit parts as a bad guy, such as the head of a neo-Nazi skinhead gang in a CBS movie-of-the-week, and starring in a couple of commercials; he was often typecast in tough-guy or antagonistic characters. Despite these efforts, his acting pursuits yielded limited success, prompting him to take on various side jobs to sustain himself in the competitive Hollywood environment. To make ends meet, Long worked as a and nightclub , roles that aligned with his robust and provided steady income amid frequent auditions. He also took on other physically intensive labor, reflecting a gradual disengagement from dedicated while embracing a vibrant, party-oriented lifestyle filled with social outings and nightlife.

Religious Conversion

Motorcycle Accident and Initial Changes

In 1992, while riding his motorcycle home from work at the in , Stuart Long was struck by a car, causing him to collide headfirst with another vehicle and lose consciousness before being run over by a second car. The collision resulted in severe, life-threatening injuries that left doctors expecting him to die that night. Long spent a significant period in hospital recovery, where visits from his girlfriend and father provided emotional support at his bedside. During this time, he began to deeply question the direction of his life, reflecting on his survival with profound gratitude amid the . This introspection marked the initial catalyst for personal reevaluation, contrasting with his prior agnostic upbringing and pursuit of a secular lifestyle in . Upon discharge, Long returned to his hometown of , taking time off from work to focus on healing and . He started attending services sporadically, signaling the onset of his exploration into faith and spirituality.

Path to Catholicism

Following his motorcycle accident, which served as a catalyst for spiritual reflection, Stuart Long began exploring Catholicism more deeply, initially driven by his desire to marry his Catholic girlfriend, Cindy. He participated in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program at Holy Angels Catholic in , where he engaged actively by posing bold and memorable questions during sessions. Under the guidance of Norm Priebe, the local pastor, Long studied Catholic teachings and prepared for full initiation into the Church. Long was baptized and confirmed into the during the in 1994 at Holy Angels, marking the completion of his RCIA journey. Despite having no prior religious background, he experienced a profound sense of to the priesthood almost immediately upon emerging from the baptismal waters, describing it as a sudden and undeniable conviction from . To discern this calling, Long turned to prayer, , and mentorship from clergy, including Monsignor Priebe, while grappling with initial doubts about his suitability given his unconventional past. He tested the vocation by teaching religion at in Mission Hills, , where his enthusiasm for sharing the faith strengthened his resolve. Balancing lingering uncertainties with a growing spiritual conviction, Long eventually enrolled in pre-seminary formation programs, including time spent with the Capuchin in , before committing to diocesan priesthood preparation for the Diocese of .

Priesthood and Ministry

Formation and Ordination

Following his conversion to Catholicism, Stuart Long discerned a call to the priesthood and began his formal formation for the of Helena at Mount Angel Seminary in in 2003. There, he pursued philosophical studies in the pre-theology program before advancing to theological formation, completing the required coursework over the next several years despite the rigors of seminary life. His time at Mount Angel, a Benedictine institution known for its emphasis on intellectual and spiritual preparation, equipped him with the academic foundation necessary for priestly ministry. As Long progressed through his studies, he encountered early signs of physical challenges, including that began to affect his mobility. Undeterred, he persisted with the encouragement and support of the community, including his spiritual director, Father Pius X Harding, O.S.B., who noted Long's generous spirit and positive outlook amid difficulties. Abbot Peter Eberle, O.S.B., later reflected on Long's cheerful resilience, which inspired those around him during this formative period. In December 2006, Long was ordained a transitional by George Thomas, marking a significant milestone in his vocational journey. Long's perseverance culminated in his priestly on December 14, 2007, at the of in , also by Bishop Thomas, when Long was 44 years old. The ceremony, held alongside his close friend Father Bart Tolleson, affirmed the diocese's confidence in Long's readiness for ministry despite his emerging health concerns. This represented the successful completion of his formation, transitioning him from student to cleric in service to the Church.

Pastoral Work and Challenges

Following his to the priesthood in 2007 for the Diocese of Helena, Father Stuart Long was assigned as parochial vicar to Little Flower Parish in , located on the . There, he engaged in outreach to the Native American community, a historically marginalized group, building on his prior service at the parish during seminary formation. Long's ministry emphasized administering the sacraments and counseling parishioners with a servant's heart, while also participating in youth-focused initiatives such as the movement and pro-life events like . Long was known for his straightforward and reverent preaching style, which conveyed God's love in an accessible manner and often incorporated humor alongside deep, soul-searching questions to engage listeners. Drawing from his background as a boxer, he frequently used metaphors of physical resilience and perseverance to inspire spiritual fortitude among parishioners, encouraging them to view challenges as opportunities for growth in faith. His energetic approach made congregants feel valued and motivated, fostering a in remote and underserved areas like . In 2009, after experiencing two falls that exacerbated his physical limitations, Long was reassigned to the Anaconda Catholic Community in , where his health needs could be more readily supported. By the early 2010s, his —diagnosed during but progressively worsening—severely impacted his mobility, leading him to transition to a power for daily activities and services. In 2010, he returned to Helena, where he continued pastoral duties by celebrating Mass regularly at St. Mary's Parish and ministering to residents at Big Sky Care Center, adapting his role to include visits to , prisons, and other parishes via a customized van dubbed the "Holy Roller." Despite these challenges, Long's commitment to and persisted, as he taught by example, embracing his suffering to demonstrate humility and hope.

Illness and Legacy

Diagnosis and Health Decline

In early 2007, while preparing for ordination, Stuart Long was diagnosed with (), a rare progressive neuromuscular disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and degeneration of muscle fibers, leading to irreversible weakness and atrophy. The diagnosis followed several months of testing, including (EMG) and blood work, after initial symptoms emerged during seminary, including unexplained muscle weakness that mimicked conditions like (). These early signs were first noticed after surgery to remove a large tumor from his hip, which exacerbated fatigue and mobility issues. As IBM progressed, Long experienced escalating , particularly in his arms, legs, and throat, resulting in difficulties with walking, gripping objects, and swallowing (). By the time of his in December 2007, he relied on crutches for support, and over the next few years, the condition advanced to the point where he required a wheelchair for and assistance with basic daily tasks such as and . In 2010, due to his worsening health, Long relocated to the Big Sky Care Center in , a long-term facility, where he depended on full-time caregivers for most . Despite his physical decline, Long maintained a limited but impactful ministry from the , delivering homilies and spiritual guidance that emphasized the redemptive value of and unwavering in the face of adversity. With help from aides and family, he continued to celebrate when possible, adapting his pastoral role to his confined circumstances until his death in 2014.

Death and Posthumous Influence

Stuart Long died on June 9, 2014, at the age of 50, at the Big Sky Care Center, a in , due to complications from , a rare progressive muscle disorder. His funeral Mass was celebrated on June 12, 2014, at the Cathedral of St. Helena, followed by a reception in the Brondel Center. Long is remembered in Catholic communities for his perseverance amid physical decline, embodying a lifelong fighter's spirit in his faith journey from boxer to priest. Tributes from the of Helena and fellow emphasize how his unyielding commitment inspired those around him, even as his health deteriorated, highlighting his deep love for and service to others. Following his death, Long's story has continued to motivate discussions on priestly and within Catholic seminaries and formation programs, encouraging candidates to pursue their calling despite personal challenges. His legacy was posthumously recognized in 2022 when he was named a finalist for the Lumen Christi Award by Catholic Extension Society, underscoring his enduring impact on faith communities through exemplary ministry amid suffering.

In Popular Culture

Film Adaptation

The 2022 biographical drama was directed by in her feature directorial debut and stars as Stuart Long. The film was released theatrically on April 13, 2022, by , the faith-based division of . The movie dramatizes key elements of Long's life, including his time as an amateur , his conversion to Catholicism after a near-fatal accident, and his diagnosis with a degenerative muscle that he carried into his hood. Production authenticity was enhanced through consultations with Long's father, , who advised on and details, as well as Father Ed Wack, a close friend and fellow who shared personal stories about Long with Wahlberg. Father Stu garnered mixed critical reception, with reviewers appreciating its inspirational message and emotional depth but critiquing the script's occasional heavy-handedness and pacing. The film received several nominations, including for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama at the 2023 Satellite Awards, and its PG-13 re-edited version, Father Stu: Reborn (2022), was nominated for Best Movie for Mature Audiences, the Epiphany Prize for Inspiring Movies, and the Grace Award for Most Inspiring Performing Arts Movie at the 2023 . Wahlberg's commitment was a highlight, particularly his physical transformation—gaining over 30 pounds and later simulating muscle deterioration—to embody Long's journey. The film earned a worldwide gross of $21.8 million against a $4 million budget.

Other Media Representations

Stuart Long's life and ministry have been portrayed in several Catholic publications, emphasizing his transformation and spiritual resilience. In the April 2022 issue of Columbia magazine, published by the Knights of Columbus, the article "A Fighter for God" chronicles Long's evolution from a street-tough boxer and Hollywood aspirant to a priest whose faith intensified through his battle with inclusion body myositis, portraying him as a tenacious servant of God who ministered from his care facility until his death. The piece highlights how his suffering became a source of strength, quoting Bishop George Thomas on the "power in suffering" that defined Long's priesthood. Memoir excerpts and interviews in The Pillar from April 2022 delve into Long's conversion, recounting his near-fatal motorcycle accident in 1992 that sparked his entry into the and eventual discernment of a priestly . The article features reflections from those close to him, including Bishop Thomas, who approved Long's ordination in 2007 despite early signs of his , underscoring themes of redemption and perseverance in his path to Catholicism. Stories from the Catholic Extension Society in August 2022 connect Long to their mission, detailing how the organization supported his seminary formation at Mount Angel Seminary and spotlighting his posthumous recognition as a 2022-2023 Lumen Christi Award finalist for his profound impact as a in Montana's rural parishes. These accounts emphasize his conversion's role in inspiring conversions, healings, and vocations among parishioners at places like Little Flower Parish and the Big Sky Care Center, where he offered sacraments and counsel amid physical decline. In 2023, Father Bart Tolleson, a close friend and fellow , published the That Was Father Stu: A Memoir of My Priestly Brother and Friend, which provides an insightful and humorous account of Long's , , , and battle with , drawing on personal anecdotes to highlight his on those around him. Beyond print , Long appears in minor broadcast segments, including EWTN's "Life on the Rock" special from April 2022, which includes interviews with family and friends discussing his priestly and enduring legacy in . Local news outlets provided coverage following his 2014 death, with features in Helena-area publications reflecting on his ministerial footprint in the Diocese of Helena.

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