New Jersey priest Father Kevin J. Keelen taught a workshop entitled “Spirituality of Bruce Springsteen” Oct. 18. More than 150 people attended, including Adele Springsteen, the Boss' mother.
Father Keelen, an Augustinian friar, cited the lyrics from “Hungry Heart” as he quoted from his saintly mentor, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, God.”
“Every indigenous tribe has music. It’s part of being human,” he said. “Tonight’s about Bruce and us. He evangelizes in a different way.”
When talking about the Ellis Island Award-winning singer/songwriter, Father Keelen wove a picture of a deeply spiritual musician whose faith is reflected in his deep catalogue of music.
The father talked about listening to Springsteen perform “Land of Hope and Dreams,” at Giants Stadium with imagery of a train barreling down the tracks carrying sinners, gamblers, the broken-hearted, thieves, and sweet souls departed and feeling the energy of the crowd.
“This train: all aboard!” Father Keelan exclaimed as he quoted the refrain. “That’s the image of salvation, that’s Gospel. It’s incredible poetry and melodic music. That’s what takes it to another place.”
My book "Finding Grace in the Concert Hall: Community and Meaning Among Springsteen Fans" (http://www.waveland.com/browse.php?t=71&r=a|91), addresses how Mr. Springsteen's music provides his fans with a foundation of faith. It might make for an interesting read for Fathe Keelan.
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