St. Francis of Assisi said: “Who are God’s servants but his minstrels who inspire the hearts of people and stir them to spiritual joy!” For many years now, Brother Al Mascia has taken those words of St. Francis to heart writing and performing songs as well as a one-man musical that speak directly to peoples' hearts. In a world full of conflict, warfare, pandemics, and pain, joy can sometimes become elusive, gladness fleeting and hope remotely hidden. As a modern-day itinerant Friar minstrel, Brother Al shares the joy and delight only music and stories can offer in ways that are uniquely Franciscan. His artistic ministry helps heal the faithful from joylessness to joyfullness!
Brother Al Mascia is an award winning Roman Catholic Franciscan friar and professional singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and playwright. He is currently on tour performing his original one-man musical inspired by the remarkable life of Blessed Solanus Casey; someone most likely to become the first American-born man to be canonized a saint in the Roman Cahotlic Church! He writes songs, gives concerts and leads retreats having to do with his decades long service to the poor, homeless and marginalized. He is the recipient of the Citizens for Peace Compassionate Citizen Award, the World Sabbath of Religious Reconciliation Peace Maker Award and was twice finalist for The Detroit 20/20 Unity Award. He is a graduate of Catholic Theological Union, Western Theological Seminary and Chicago Theological Seminary. He holds two Master’s Degrees as well as a Doctorate.
