Rhythm, Redemption, and Renewal: My Story With the CFR's | Fr. Stan Fortuna

Jul 2, 2025

Fr. Stan Fortuna, a Catholic priest and founding member of the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, shares his inspiring journey in this lively discussion. He reflects on balancing his passion for music with his vocational calling, while sharing heartfelt stories from icons like Mother Teresa. Fr. Stan dives into the mission of the CFRs, emphasizing poverty and evangelization, and offers practical wisdom on engaging with the poor. He also highlights contemporary issues facing youth today, blending spirituality and creativity in his approach to ministry.

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INSIGHT

Poverty Anchors But Doesn’t Ensure Orthodoxy

Poverty can anchor orthodoxy, but it is not a guarantee; freedom without responsibility can mislead.
Authentic Franciscan freedom needs truth and love to avoid destructive extremes.

ADVICE

How To Respond At An Intersection

Engage people who ask for money with dignity: offer food, water, or conversation before cash when safety or enabling is a concern.
Roll down a window to ask a name, listen briefly, and discern help that meets real need without enabling harm.

ANECDOTE

When Street Ministry Turns Dangerous

Fr. Stan recounts being threatened by a squeegee man who had previously escalated; he chose to drive away and avoid confrontation.
The episode taught him to weigh safety and presence when ministering in dangerous situations.

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Fr. Stan Fortuna is one of the founding 'instigators' of the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (the CFR's). Join Conor as Fr. Stan relays the story of his own vocation as well as the CFR's origin story and their charism in the life of the Church.

Over the course of a hilarious and meaningful conversation, Fr. Stan also shares:

- His love of music and how he channels his faith into writing rap, hip-hop, and more.

- Heartwarming stories from his interactions with Mother Teresa, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, and others.

- How to balance prudence and charity when serving Christ in the poor.

- Spiritual lessons from great saints of the Church including Pope St. John Paul II, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Teresa of Avila.

- And much more!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00) Trailer
(01:52) Introduction
(02:32) Fr. Stan’s Visit to Charlotte and Belmont Abbey College
(10:20) His Childhood: The Influence of His Parents and Grandparents
(16:18) Getting into Music
(21:19) Reversion and Being Invited to Bible Study
(24:45) Reading a Book on St. Francis & The First Stirring of His Vocation
(28:54) Choosing between Music and His Girlfriend
(33:58) The Vocational Call Intensifies: The 'Divine Pitbull'
(40:17) "Holy Spirit, command me to do your holy will."
(46:17) Meeting Fr. Benedict Groeschel and Joining the Franciscans
(53:45) Fr. Benedict Encourages Him to Pursue the Priesthood
(1:02:16) How the CFR's Were Instigated
(1:22:45) What Is the CFR’s Charism and What Was Life Like at the Beginning?
(1:32:20) Conor’s Mother Teresa Story and Fr. Benedict Groeschel Story
(1:41:15) Stories and Insights from Working with the Poor
(1:51:47) How to Balance Prudence and Charity When Giving to the Poor
(02:03:51) How to Love Our Neighbors When We Don't Feel Like It: The Connection between Love and Mercy
(02:13:43) How to Make a Good Confession
(02:19:10) Gender Ideology and How Ministry to Young People Has Changed over the Decades
(02:28:17) Fr. Stan's Music
(02:56:04) Rapid Fire Questions