Frank Franciscan raps about faith

By Kevin Luperchio

FITCHBURG – Part street philosopher, part comedian, part novelty rap act, Father Stan Fortuna brought his unique blend of evangelization to St. Bernard Central Catholic High Tuesday.

Father Fortuna, one of eight members of the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, a community established in New York under Cardinal John O’Connor, delivered a frank, free-ranging talk on faith, sexuality and secularism as part of the school’s Catholic Schools Week celebration.

“If you want to have a faith-filled future, then you get used to the truth,” he said. “The truth ain’t gonna hurt you, the truth will set you free.”

A faith-filled future also requires young people to move away from the values of secular society, particularly in regards to sex, he said.

“They use and abuse sexuality to sell things; it’s connected with consumerism,” Father Fortuna said. “They spend a lot of money, they want to manage your perspective.”

He drove the point home with a self-written rap song he called “The Zipper Zone” in which he championed abstinence: “Your body is the Lord’s/Your body is not your own/The media has a bad plan to get you down to the Zipper Zone.”

Kathy Jordan, campus minister coordinator, said the majority of students enjoyed the talk though some were put off by Father Fortuna’s strong message.

“Most of the kids felt they needed to hear what he had to say,” said Mrs. Jordan, who invited Father Fortuna to speak at the school.

Freshmen Jill Crawley said she was inspired by the priest’s words.

“He tells it like it is,” she said.

Later in the afternoon, Father Fortuna delivered a more adult-themed lecture for the faculty; he also celebrated an evening Mass that drew about 300 people, many of whom are familiar with him through his performances at Steubenville East.