That paragon of virtuous journalism, the National Enquirer, is reporting that actor Mark Wahlberg was offered a role in Brokeback Mountain but the Boogie Nights star turned it down on the advice of his longtime family priest, Rev. Jim Flavin. From the story:

The 38-year-old reformed bad boy relies on his closest confidante and longtime religious mentor, the Rev. James Flavin, to help him pick and choose his parts.

“Mark is a practicing Catholic, and he never makes a final decision on a starring role until Father Flavin gives his OK,” an insider revealed to The ENQUIRER. “Mark says he owes his career to Father Flavin.”

It was the outspoken priest who urged a reluctant Mark to take the role in The Departed, which earned him an Oscar nomination.

“Father Flavin pushes Mark to honor his religious roots,” said the source. “Even though Mark was offered one of the leads in Brokeback Mountain, he passed because of the gay subject matter, which clashes with Catholic doctrine.”

Full disclosure: I know Fr. Flavin — he married my brother and sister-in-law, presided at my goddaughter’s baptism and prayed at my father’s wake. He’s climbed the ranks within the Archdiocese of Boston and he’s now the director of pastoral care of priests for the archdiocese. He’s an all-around good guy, and I had no idea he held such sway as a Hollywood casting director. Still not sure what Flav (as he’s known) thought about Wahlberg’s role as Dirk Diggler, or that Calvin Klein underwear spread.