Mark Wahlberg recently shared an important message of faith. Fans may know Wahlberg as a producer, actor, and entrepreneur, but many don’t realize he’s a devout Catholic. He discussed his values and faith during a recent appearance on “Today.”

Wahlberg told Savannah Guthrie, “Faith, it’s everything. It’s afforded me so many things. God didn’t come to save the saints. He came to save the sinners. We want to be better versions of ourselves, and through focusing on my faith, it’s allowed me to do that.” Wahlberg says his faith is important to him, but he doesn’t want to force it on anyone.

He explained, “It’s a balance. I don’t wanna jam it down anybody’s throat, but I do not deny my faith. That’s an even bigger sin,” he explained. “You know, it’s not popular in my industry, but, you know, I cannot deny my faith. It’s important for me to share that with people. I have friends from all walks of life and different faiths and religions, so you know, it’s important to respect and honor them as well.”

Wahlberg appeared on “Today” with ashes shaped like a cross on his forehead while donning a black buttoned collared shirt and matching pants. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, and the “Father Stu” actor shared inspirational lessons on fasting in a Catholic prayer app called “Hallow.” He was a guest narrator on the platform and talked about his “Pray 40-Day Lent Challenge.”

He also discussed how believers could challenge themselves on the holy day of prayer. Wahlberg said, “God knows the things that he wants you to detach from. We all know those things that make us feel guilty don’t make us feel as good as we should. So being able to detach from those things and focus on good habits as opposed to bad habits; just challenging people to be better versions of themselves.”

The award-winning actor added that “discipline” plays a key role in his life and suggested others follow suit. “Discipline has always been important for me in life. Once I started getting into movies and transitioned from music, I realized I needed a lot of discipline in my life,” he told the media outlet. “And that discipline has afforded me so many other things.” Wahlberg continued, “I want to share that with people. So whether that’s with fasting or detaching from other things and just spending more time with God in prayer or thoughtful reflection and those things are important.”

The Boston native shares four children with Rhea Durham, his wife of 13 years: Ella, Michael, Brendan and Grace. In October, he announced he left Hollywood and moved to Nevada to provide a “better life” for his family.

Although faith is essential to the “Uncharted” actor, he noted he doesn’t force it on his children. He confessed, “Before I was like, ‘all right, everybody’s got to be in Catholic school. We got to go to Mass every Sunday.’ But that can also create some resentment. I want them to gravitate toward it in a very natural way.”