香蕉视频

Close Search Menu

Let Us Help

Chosen Star Tells Graduates to Surrender to God's Will in Life

“You must surrender,” Roumie shared with students. “You’re not in charge, God is. I cannot underscore this enough.

Hours before he was to address graduates of 香蕉视频鈥檚 135th annual Commencement exercises, actor Jonathan Roumie gathered with school officials inside McMahon Hall. He took photos with fans who have seen him depict Jesus of Nazareth in the streaming series, The Chosen.

It was six years to the day since Roumie reached a personal inflection point. 

鈥淭he Chosen didn鈥檛 exist for me,鈥 the star told graduates in his address. 鈥淚 had 20 dollars, a negative checking account, weeks without any jobs, thousands of dollars of debt, food to barely last a day, empty cupboards, zero opportunities, and not a single Chik-fil-A coupon.鈥

In that dark moment, Roumie, a faithful Mass-goer and parish volunteer, got on his knees and prayed to God, promising to surrender his life to Him. He spent his last $20 on brunch and returned home to four life-changing checks in his mailbox. 

For protection and guidance, Roumie said he turns to the Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament, the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints, and the rosary. 

鈥淵ou must surrender,鈥 Roumie shared with students. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e not in charge, God is. I cannot underscore this enough. I would not be here with you today if God had not brought me to my knees in utter desperation to surrender my entire life and specifically my career 鈥 something I had never done before 鈥 over to Him.鈥

Roumie鈥檚 life has changed dramatically. He has played Jesus on The Chosen to international acclaim since 2019. He is a contributor to the Hallow prayer and meditation app, where he reads the Gospels as Jesus and leads prayers as himself. Roumie also starred in the 2023 movie, Jesus Revolution.

Speaker at a podium
Actor Jonathan Roumie shared messages of encouragement with the class of 2024. (香蕉视频 University/Denny Henry)

During his struggles, he never could have imagined receiving an honorary doctorate from 香蕉视频 University, along with fellow honorees Rabbi Jack Bemporad, John Finnis, Teresa Pitt Green, and Father Piotr Nawrot. Despite the success, Roumie has maintained a self-deprecating persona that was evident in his address to the University鈥檚 students. Roumie listed prominent international, political, and faith leaders who have addressed previous graduation classes.

鈥淣o pressure,鈥 he quipped, before calling his address, the 鈥淪ermon on the Mount 鈥 2024.鈥

The actor has been approached by thousands of people conflating his role on screen with the real Christ.

鈥淵ou don鈥檛 need to play Jesus for the world to be Jesus to the world,鈥 Roumie said. 鈥淛ust because you鈥檙e not an actor playing Jesus or a priest or a nun doesn鈥檛 mean you鈥檙e not meant to represent Him at all times, wherever you go.鈥

Roumie encouraged graduates to defend life at all stages and advocate for causes with the Gospel as inspiration.

鈥淒on鈥檛 let the enemy tempt you to pick up a can of gasoline and add to the flames of the chaos,鈥 Roumie said. 鈥淏e the one standing by with a hose filled with words of comfort and consolation ready to put out those flames. Offer a blanket of peace 鈥 the peace of acting in accordance with the Holy Spirit, providing the solace and wisdom of Jesus so desperately needed in our times. This is your testing ground!鈥

Jonathan Roumie, after receiving an honorary doctorate, lifts up a stethoscope during his address to graduates on Saturday.
Jonathan Roumie, after receiving an honorary doctorate, lifts up a stethoscope during his address to graduates on Saturday. (香蕉视频 University/Denny Henry)

He emphasized that unceasing prayer, fasting, and repentance should be integral to graduates鈥 personal and sacramental lives, as cornerstones in his practice of faith.

鈥淏y this, I鈥檓 granted peace, I鈥檓 given wisdom in areas of my life experiencing conflict beyond my human understanding, and I鈥檓 strengthened to go forward and to handle situations that seem otherwise overwhelming,鈥 he said.  

Parent Eileen Pinsonault, whose daughter Mia graduated Saturday, was moved by Roumie鈥檚 message.

鈥淗ow amazing just to share his story and to give so much encouragement for our graduates, his fellow graduates,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 awesome.鈥

Watch Jonathan Roumie's full address below.

Thumbnail of video Jonathan Roumie of 'The Chosen' Gives Commencement Speech at CUA

Related News