Punk Monks
The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal have a worship band. They were recently featured on WNBC NY. One of the founding members of the community, not shown on this clip, is Father Stan Fortuna, an internationally acclaimed jazz-fusion bassist who forsook all to follow the call. They minister in the most destitute areas of the Bronx, NY and Newark, NJ. I can attest to the fact that Newark is probably the worst after having spent four years in medical school there. Whoa~
These guys are the "real deal." I have had an opportunity to spend some time with them and I came away blessed and renewed. They do this thing at midnight called the "peanut butter run."
They make stacks of peanut-butter sandwiches and go out to the street people in the middle of the night to minister Christ's love to them. Pray for more vocations to groups like this. And, BTW, they make their living in the traditional way of St. Francis by begging, so if you want to send them a few quid, they wouldn't turn it down. Though they have a website, they don't have computers or internet access (Don't you love that?) and can be reached by snail mail or phone.
Here's a slideshow of a day in the life of a friar. 13th century faith in the 21st century!
posted by Russ Rentler, M.D. | 9:14 AM
8 Comments:
Lest anybody get the wrong idea, I don't think they play this kind of music at Mass.
And of course another founder of this community is that holy man of God, Fr. Benedict Groschel.
From what I see, communities like the CFRs, who live a radical Catholic Christian faith and are faithful to Holy Mother Church are not having problems attracting vocations. God bless 'em!
And oh yes, that slideshow was awesome!
Yes Nancy, good points!
I too have heard that the religious communities that are growing are the ones that are eucharistic-centered orthodox in theology.
A diocesan priest who helped us back into the Church 3 years ago spent a novice year with the CFR and during that time we had opportunities to hang with the friars. They are radically in love with Jesus. Poverty, chastity and obedience.... What's not to love there?
I love them! While I've never seen them play, I enjoy their website, as you linked to for the slideshow. I recommend to readers their daily eletter at the same site:
http://www.franciscanfriars.com/fr.%20glenn%20letters/archive.htm
Their writings are very thoughtful and inspiring.
They minister to Christ's love in an amazing way. Donations can also be sent for their Honduras mission, where they are also doing vital work and ministry.
Newark is a test of courage alright. When I lived in the area I was called to jury duty there so often, people called it my "second job" har har.
Bless them all! Each friar is doing the work of twenty, I reckon.
we have them in the UK now-Thank God-in London and York.
I would love my sons to have some time with them-to learn about life and pray for their vocation in life.
I pray at least one or two of my sons will join orders such as these.
I know you don't like it anymore Tiber, but I still get a kick out of the "Monk song."
-Theo
I went to a day of prayer with them back in April in Newark, NJ. Very spiritually fulfilling.
theo, I might rewrite the Monk Song. BTW, it has never been recorded despite being performed regularly since 1979. I might develop a "redeemed" version
I happen to think the Monk Song is fun and funny as is. Still, I've no doubt that if you change it, it will still be a good song. Of course, if you ever *do* record it, I know a guy who already knows the harmony.
--Theo
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