Eduardo Verástegui and Tammy Blanchard in "Bella" (Photos courtesy of Metanoia Films)   Find “Bella” online To learn more, visit bellathemovie.com.

When I recognized that I was chasing the lie, that’s when I started knowing my faith better. That’s when I realized we’re called to be saints. That’s why I go to Mass every day, and say the Rosary every day, and go to confession once a week, and pray the Liturgy of the Hours. That’s why I’m on my knees every day asking for help.


CD: Was it tough to stick to your decision to steer clear of roles that you felt compromised your integrity?

VERÁSTEGUI: It was a lot of sacrifice at first, because for four years I didn’t work at anything because all the offers I was receiving were exactly the same negative stereotypes that I had decided not to do. I got to a point where I lost everything: I didn’t have my rent to pay for the next month. I knew maybe the
price was going to be that I would end up in Xicotencatl (his hometown) selling tacos, but I would rather do that and not compromise. That’s my message: Do not seek to be a person of success;seek to be a person of value, of integrity, and if success comes after that, that’s a blessing. Don’t compromise to obtain what the world thinks success is, because that doesn’t come from God.

It’s an amazing ride right now. There are, of course, ups and downs, but there’s a serenity and peace and joy that comes from doing [God’s] will regardless of whether you have success or not. There’s nothing more exciting than waking up in the morning and fighting for something bigger than yourself. CD

Julie Rattey is managing editor of Catholic Digest.