A new album by a Franciscan friar is all about repentance
A new album by a Franciscan friar is all about repentance
A journey to producing a music album by a Franciscan friar and a layman commenced at a homeless shelter situated in the Bronx.
Several years back, Father Isaiah Marie Hofmann, CFR, and J.J. Wright started making music for the individuals residing in a homeless shelter located in the Bronx. When the pandemic occurred, they shifted to Zoom jam sessions; now they are launching a complete album together, narrating Father Isaiah’s calling story through music.
Four years ago, Brother Isaiah — Father Isaiah, following his ordination in 2022 — unveiled his debut musical album, Poco a Poco, aimed at assisting listeners in enhancing their prayer experience and their connection with God.
Throughout the pandemic, Brother Isaiah, which continues to be his stage name, started praying and contemplating new music. As he engaged in prayer, he reflected on his personal vocation journey and felt a calling to express how the Lord changed his life through song. Ultimately, he composed 10 tracks that form his latest album, “Mysteries and Medicines.”
As he composed the music, he wished that the album would showcase how God mends the world’s brokenness through His enigmas.
“Repentance, an equally fundamental theme of the project, is frequently misinterpreted in contemporary times. In the context of Christ, repentance is intended to be a source of life and joy. It represents the journey of healing and regeneration that the remedies of God’s mysteries are meant to induce within our hearts,” stated Brother Isaiah.
A recurring partnership
Following the composition of the songs, Brother Isaiah recognized that he had the capabilities for an album. However, he required assistance. Thus, he contacted J.J. Wright, who is the director of the University of Notre Dame Folk Choir. Since their performances began at the Bronx homeless shelter, Wright and Brother Isaiah have maintained their collaboration, with Wright providing keyboard accompaniment for Brother Isaiah’s previous album. The new album appeared to be an ideal chance for them to join forces once more, with Wright taking on the role of producer.
“During his time in seminary, Brother Isaiah shared with me that he composed this collection of 10 songs that vividly narrate a story, a pilgrimage to the peak of experiencing God in his calling as a priest — and requested my assistance in producing an album,” Wright conveyed to Our Sunday Visitor. “We began to meet each week to collaborate on the songs, and we truly put each one to the test, striving to enhance it to the best of our abilities.”
The opening track of the album, Blindman, was launched as a single on Jan. 16. Over the upcoming five months, a fresh single will be dropped to enhance Brother Isaiah’s visibility. In June, the full album will be accessible for streaming.
Blindman narrates the experience of existing in a condition of sin and journeying with the Lord through the desert towards the promised land. For Wright, Blindman ranks among his preferred tracks on the album, not solely due to its message but also for its “funky” melody.
“I really appreciate how Blindman begins with this gentle rhythm and then Brother Isaiah adds his vocals, leading you to believe there isn’t much happening, yet it suddenly transitions into this rather funky chorus, which is quite surprising,” remarked Wright. “That element truly adds to the enjoyment.”
A chance for spreading the faith
Although the rhythm drives the track, the lyrics infuse a sense of substance into Blindman. Father Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, who presents the well-known Poco a Poco podcast, functions as the executive producer of the album and acts as Brother Isaiah’s manager. He conveyed to Our Sunday Visitor via email that the emotional depth and openness of Blindman enables the song to stand out.
“One of the things I enjoy most about collaborating with Brother Isaiah is his songwriting. His lyrics consistently emerge from profound and frequently surprising sources. Specifically, he possesses an amazing talent for setting the verses of the psalms to melodies,” remarked Father Mark-Mary. “‘Blindman’ and a significant portion of ‘Mysteries & Medicines’ serve as a call to keep pursuing the Lord when we find ourselves lost and confused in the face of the mystery of his call and his guidance.”
For Father Mark Mary, Wright, and Brother Isaiah, the song is perceived as more than merely a piece of art; they regard it as a chance for evangelism.
“Music “both creates new areas in our hearts for the Lord, yet music also emerges organically from the profound depths of the spirit of someone who understands God and His salvation,” remarked Father Mark-Mary. “There comes a moment when words and prose fall short, and poetry and adoration spring forth in human hearts, yearning to honor God with deeper richness.”
While composing the songs, Brother Isaiah contemplated on repentance. He wishes that “Blindman” along with the other tracks in “Mysteries and Medicines” will assist others in acknowledging the strength of God’s compassion.
“It is my aspiration that the album will inspire within the heart a fresh sense of awe for the grace and gentleness of repentance, a yearning to embark on that path of healing — with a few practical tips along the journey — and a recognition that God’s remedies are ultimately gifted to us in the enigmas of our existence,” Brother Isaiah expressed.
