Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Darla Kinney Scoles: A jazz-rapping, bass-playing Catholic Priest?
Written by Darla Kinney Scoles,
on 02-08-2008 20:02
When in the second grade, Franciscan Father Stan Fortuna received a red
electric guitar for Christmas, and music became a big part of his life.
Later, when the prompting to become a priest came, Fortuna continued to
include music in his life, just in a different way
Photo submitted by Rodrigo Cabrita
“Music has been a part of my whole life,” shared Fortuna, “and I
thought that would have changed after my conversion, but it didn’t.
Music became an even more central part of my life after my conversion,
because music helps me pray.”
After hearing rap while still in seminary, Fortuna found a way for
music to also help him take his spiritual message to young people in
Spanish Harlem where he lives and serves as part of the Community of
Franciscan Friars of Renewal.
Speaking their musical language, Fortuna is successful in sharing a message of love.
“The main message to youth is that the Love that is real and true
gives you the power to overcome yourself … to be true and to love for
real with true love,” said Fortuna. “My favorite success story in
Harlem was not what I did for Harlem, but for what Harlem did for me.
My heart was opened up to be inspired by the spontaneity of young
people freestyling – improvising with words on the street. This has
made a mark on me that is still going on today.”
Fortuna is bringing his hip-hop Gospel to Indiana this month,
leading a religious retreat entitled “Destination Jesus” from Feb.
15-17, as well as a Parish Mission at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church
in Westfield.
He will be the main celebrant for all of the weekend Masses there on
Feb. 23 and Feb. 24, and will speak on the theme “Dare to Love” each
evening from Feb. 25 until Feb. 28.
“We were going to see if we could get him down to the Speedway and
do a few practice laps to prepare for the Indy 500, too,” says Deacon
Steve Miller, of St. Maria Goretti Parish. “However, we thought maybe
he could use a break.
He’s an amazing priest and a phenomenal musician. There will
be over 1000 people attending the youth retreat weekend and during the
adult mission, there will be an estimated 600 people each night.
Everyone is excited to hear Father Stan speak and perform. We have a
huge assembly area and are able to seat more people, so everyone is
welcome to join us for the mission.”
Said Fortuna, “I’m happy to be back in Indianapolis. I love the
people and the city which is the birthplace of the great Wes
Montgomery. I’m also looking forward to playing at the Jazz Kitchen for
the first time.”
Father Fortuna and his trio, Scola Tristano, with veteran guitarist
Peter Prisco and guest percussionist Ricky “Bongo” Carthen, will play
two shows at The Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis on Feb. 20 at 6:30 and
8:30 p.m.
The trio is dedicated to the innovative style of the legendary
Lennie Tristano, a pioneer and master of improvisational jazz. Scola
Tristano has a long history playing together having performed in and
around New York City for more than two decades.
Fortuna, on lead vocals and bass, studied with Tristano until his
untimely death. Lennie’s passing made such an impact on Fortuna that it
helped him recognize his true calling. Much like Tristano, Fortuna’s
life is quite “outside the box” and unique to the world of jazz. He
grew up in Yonkers, N.Y. and in the midst of a burgeoning career as a
much sought-after professional bass player touring and playing the
likes of Lincoln Center, he gave it all up.
Fortuna has been a Roman Catholic priest and an original member of
the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal for more than two decades, gaining
international media attention for his preaching and use of hip hop
music and culture in his ministry.
Of playing for a Midwest audience, Fortuna said, “I’ll be influenced
and inspired by what’s going on. Where I am – it doesn’t matter if it’s
the Midwest, Deep South, Far East or Northern North. It doesn’t matter.
I try to open my heart to be inspired wherever I go so that the Holy
Spirit will find me ready.
In You Go
Tickets for The Jazz Kitchen shows (5377 N. College Ave., Indianapolis) can be purchased by calling (317) 574-1752.
For information on the Retreat and Parish Mission, call (317) 867-3213.
St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church is located at 17102 Spring Mill Road in Westfield. For directions visit www.smgonline.org.
Higher Ground is a weekly column devoted to covering the events,
programs and people of Hamilton County’s churches. To comment or to
submit a story idea, contact Darla Kinney Scoles in care of the
newspaper, 770-7777, ext. 118 or via
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. Opinions may not reflect those of the Noblesville Daily Times.