A former drug-addicted Catholic priest uses TikTok to spread his message of hope and redemption to a growing audience.

A TikTok user who is a Catholic priest is sharing his story of turning away from drugs and toward a life filled with the Holy Spirit, which has touched the hearts of millions of viewers.

Father Frankie Cicero, who has gained nearly 14 million likes on TikTok, says he has experienced a "wild ride of God's goodness" after turning toward his Savior. The Catholic priest told Planet Chronicle Digital that while he grew up Catholic, he "ran away from faith" at 18-years-old after his father, who suffered from drug addiction, abandoned the family - leaving them homeless and on food stamps.

I was really angry at the Lord, ultimately, because I was misplacing my anger, and I should have been more angry at my father, but I was angry at the Lord because I felt like I had done everything He asked of me, and this was what He offered me. I was angry and I left.

One night, Father Frankie, who had been living a life of drugs, alcohol, and promiscuity, felt like everything was moving in slow motion while working at a bar. He then realized the broken life he had been living and felt a desire to turn to Jesus.

"In this moment, he recognized that despite having everything the world says brings happiness, he felt more broken, lonely, and hated who he was. It was the first time in six years that he prayed to God. At 1 a.m. in a bar, he cried out to the Lord."

God remembers the revert's declaration that he was prepared to return to the faith and adhere to God's plan.

"The love of his presence and acceptance overwhelmed me, filling my heart with courage to depart."

Frankie went to confession and spent hours in the Adoration Chapel seeking guidance from the Lord. He felt a call to be a priest and his cousin, who was already ordained, assisted him in discerning his vocation.

I looked upon the Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and thought, 'Jesus, I know you've called me to be your priest, but you are such a loving and merciful God. Is there any way you can give me a physical sign?' I closed my eyes and opened my Bible, and the first words I saw were, 'Follow me.' Matthew 9:9, the call of Saint Matthew from the tax collector's booth... and I wrote in my Bible on August 8, 2009, 'confirmation to the priesthood.'

TikTok is used by Fr. Frankie, who promotes moderation on social media, to teach others about God. His online ministry began during the pandemic and reached millions through his TikTok video demonstrating the Sign of the Cross.

While digital evangelization is "attractive and beneficial," it cannot replace a personal connection with God where one can discover "significance and purpose."

Fr. Frankie mused that while others may view living a life for Jesus as monotonous, allowing Jesus to be the focal point of one's existence can lead to an extraordinary, enchanting journey.

When you encounter the Lord Jesus and feel his mercy and love, you can't help but want to share your experience with others. He has freed you from shame and addiction, and now you are eager to live for him and do whatever he desires. You can't imagine living without him again.