Star of Mel Gibson's Passion Movie Speaks

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Jim Caviezel, the actor who portrayed Jesus in the Mel Gibson movie "The Passion of The Christ", was interviewed by Pastor Randy Phillips at the Promiseland West church in Austin, Texas.

Below is the news report;

Caviezel talks about 'Passion' in Austin

Published: Feb. 18, 2008 at 11:11 PM

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Hundreds of church members and other visitors reportedly turned out to hear actor Jim Caviezel speak in Texas about his role in "The Passion of the Christ."

Caviezel, who played Jesus in the 2004 religious blockbuster film, was interviewed by Pastor Randy Phillips at a PromiseLand West Bible Church service Sunday at Westlake High School, the Austin (Texas) American-Statesman reported Monday.

The newspaper said Caviezel recalled the pain he endured in bringing the religious figure to life on-screen -- the hours of makeup application he underwent to achieve a tortured appearance, as well as the dislocated shoulder and hypothermia he suffered during the movie's crucifixion scenes.

"It wasn't my own strength that I could get my arm around that cross," the American-Statesman quoted Caviezel as saying.

The report also said the actor encouraged the audience to look at suffering in their own lives as a way to connect with Jesus, to turn away from sin and to pray.

"I love anybody that helps me love Jesus more," Phillips told Caviezel. "I love anybody who makes me love the word more. You've done both."