Mark Wahlberg has opened up about practicing religion and says denying his faith is ‘a sin.’

Wahlberg is an American actor and former rapper known for films such as Ted, Daddy’s Home, and The Lovely Bones. He’s also known for following a disciplined lifestyle which involves a 3:30 a.m. wake-up every day and a 4 a.m. workout.

As well as discussing his exercise routine with fans, Wahlberg has been incredibly candid regarding his faith. One interview in which the actor discusses his religious beliefs went viral, receiving praise from fans.

One person penned: “So much respect for Mark. I love my faith too and am very grateful for it.”

Another added: “Thank you. We need to be shining examples and you certainly are just that. God bless.”

“How wonderful that Mark is sharing his faith! I love him even more now!” commented a third fan.

Wahlberg, a devout Catholic, once appeared on The Today Show on Ash Wednesday – the first day of the Lent calendar – with an ash cross on his forehead. During his appearance, he discussed the ‘different elements to fasting’ and stated that ‘it shouldn’t just be food‘ being given up.

He said: “I think the important thing to understand is that, first of all, if you have issues with food, there are other things.

“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 (it’s about) being able to detach from those things and focus on good habits as opposed to bad habits.

“There are challenges for fasting, like today, I won’t have any meat. I’ll have one meal today, and I’ll do that every Friday throughout Lent and Good Friday.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Wahlberg opened up about how religion has impacted him as a person.

He said: “You know, it’s not popular in my industry, but I cannot deny my faith. It’s important for me to share that with people.

“But, I have friends from all walks of life and all different types of faiths and religions, so it’s important to respect and honor them as well.”

Despite his strong beliefs, Wahlberg clarified that he doesn’t ‘want to jam it [Catholicism] down anybody’s throat,’ adding: “That’s an even bigger sin.”

The Patriots Day star explained that his four children aren’t forced to follow Catholicism because he does, however, they are expected to respect his beliefs.

He added: “They know that dad can’t start the day without being in prayer, can’t start the day without reading my Scripture or going to Mass.

“And hopefully, instead of forcing that on them, they’ll say, ‘Well, if it works for dad, maybe it’ll work for us,’ and they’ll kind of gravitate towards it on their own.”