Actor and comedian Rob Schneider, known for his roles in multiple films, including "The Waterboy" and "50 First Dates," recently announced his conversion to Catholicism.
This Oct. 31, Schneider shared on his X account (formerly Twitter) a message of gratitude for all the greetings received for his 60th birthday.
“I am the luckiest man in the world. I have a wonderful partner in life, my beautiful wife Patricia, and three lovely daughters; Elle, Miranda, and Madeline.”
I want thank ALL of the lovely people for their kind birthday wishes for me today on my 60th birthday.
— Rob Schneider (@RobSchneider) October 31, 2023
I am the luckiest man in the world.
I have a wonderful partner in life, my beautiful wife Patricia and three lovely daughters; Elle, Miranda and Madeline.
Today, I am reminded… pic.twitter.com/DcNq5dZBwu
“Today, I am reminded of what Dr. M. Scott Peck told me more than 30 years ago: At 40, you feel like you can conquer the world and there is a feeling that nothing can stop you. But at 60, you realize the true fragility of life and temporariness of it all."
“A humbling knowledge that there really is a time limit on all things and that God's design, though perfect, is precious far beyond its brevity.”
The comedian reflected on the importance of time in human life and called on his followers to do the same.
“If you're reading this now, you too have time! Use it wisely, use it unwisely too! But USE it.”
The comedian shared a brave and beautiful message:
“For atheists, God loves you too. The mistake you make is to think that the universe is a stupid thing that simply just bumps into things and expands ignorantly and without reason or intelligence. And in somehow, we human beings, with our intelligence, are just some kind of 'freak' universal accident.”
“To you, I say this, if there is such a thing as kindness, empathy, compassion, and love…it is because you found it in other people. And as my dear friend Norm Macdonald once said, 'We are part of this universe, indeed a mere fraction of it, so if we have kindness and love, how much more the universe itself.'"
Schneider ended his message by giving surprising news: he decided to accept God in his life and convert to Catholicism.
"Lastly, as I am a new convert to Catholicism, I offer my apology for my lack of Christ’s forgiveness to my fellow man. I was so angry at the people who shut down schools and indeed the world and who coerced others to do things against their will which hurt many people deeply," the comedian said about the criticism he made of the restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Forgiveness itself that is the gift that we give ourselves because it frees us as The Christ intends for all of us to be free. For His gift of ultimate and unlimited forgiveness is indeed the gift for all humanity. May God bless you and your families now and forever,” he concluded.
ChurchPOP editor Jacqueline Burkepile also interviewed Schneider about his recent conversion.
Listen to Rob Schneider's Catholic conversion story below:
Many well-known Catholics responded to his announcement, including Jeff Cavins, Raymond Arroyo, Bug Hall, Chris Stefanick, and Tracy Sabol.
"You beautifully communicated the love of God!" Catholic biblical scholar Jeff Cavins wrote. "Welcome to the Catholic Church! Hope we can meet sometime for some great fellowship! Happy Birthday!"
"Happy Birthday, Rob," EWTN's Ramond Arroyo wrote. "May your day be filled with the laughter you have shared with so many for so long. Rock on."
"Rob - welcome home man," Catholic evangelist Chris Stefanick added. "I’m praying for you today."
"Welcome home, brother," Retired actor Bug Hall also said. "Beautiful testimony! Let's pray for him."
"Happy Birthday Rob!" EWTN News Nightly anchor Tracy Sabol wrote. "Thank you for the laughter you spread and the joy you bring to us all! May God bless you today and always!"