I may be a little late to the party but I just found out about Father Stan and he is amazing! I invite you to explore his inspirational music and messages further!
More links to Father Stan:
http://www.youtube.com/user/frstantv?feature=results_main
http://www.francescoproductions.com/
Father Stan Fortuna, C.F.R., (born June 9, 1957) is a Catholic priest notable for his evangelical musical contributions of various genres, primarily Catholic-based jazz and hip hop.
He is an United States citizen of Italian and Greek heritage. His lifelong interest in music began in the second grade when he received an electric guitar for Christmas. He spent his formative years playing improvisational sessions in and around New York City. Father Stan studied, at one point, with the legendary jazz musician, Lennie Tristano, and was an accomplished, professional bass player before becoming a priest.
He is one of the eight original members of the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, a Franciscan order established by Cardinal John Joseph O’Connor in 1987. Father Stan was ordained as a priest in the Bronx in 1990.
Father Fortuna established the non-profit Francesco Productions in 1987 as a means to record and distribute evangelical music, video productions and books as well as handle his speaking and concert engagements; all proceeds benefit the Community’s work with the poor of the South Bronx where he lives. Recently, Francesco International Love Outreach, was started to assist in working with the poverty-stricken outside of the US, including the underprivileged in Uganda and Poland. via Fr. Stan Fortuna.
