David Henrie Reflects on Monastery Experience and New Faith Journey

David Henrie, known for his role in Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place,” revealed a transformative moment in his life that led him away from the traditional Hollywood lifestyle. Henrie shared his experiences on the “Arroyo Grande” podcast with host Raymond Arroyo.

Henrie discussed how a friendship with actor Kevin James introduced him to a newfound faith. He expressed a longing for a belief system, contrasting his upbringing in what he described as “relativistic Hollywood,” characterized by a lifestyle of partying and materialism.

“I started changing my whole perspective on life and faith. I so craved an objective belief system. I grew up in relativistic Hollywood and, you know, a partying lifestyle, secular life, worldliness, materialism, and it left me empty,” Henrie said.

In 2012, Henrie credits a visit to St. Michael’s Abbey in Orange County for altering his life trajectory. Invited by James, Henrie completed a general confession there, marking a pivotal point in his spiritual journey.

“I call it the bubblegum theory of pleasure. Every time you eat a piece of bubblegum, it loses its flavor. In a few moments, you pop another one in. At the end of the day, you’ve gone through the whole pack, and now you just feel worse than you did when you started,” he continued.

During his visit, Henrie felt a profound sense of relief. He mentioned to Arroyo that this experience was crucial in changing his outlook on life.

“It was the monastery that changed my life,” he added.

Henrie’s journey is further explored in his documentary series “Seeking Beauty,” which examines art, architecture, culture, and more in Italy’s most stunning locations. The series, which debuted on January 19 on EWTN+, announced a second season set in Spain. Kevin James remains a key figure in Henrie’s spiritual awakening, credited with introducing him to these life-altering experiences.