By Tim Harfmann
There’s no sibling rivalry when it comes to Father Saint Charles Borno and his brothers.
The priest is pastor of Holy Innocents and Our Lady of Refuge churches in Brooklyn. Along with his nine brothers, together they’re releasing a Haitian-style worship album.
Currents News caught up with three of them as they rehearsed songs off the album, titled “Chwazi Jezi,” or “Choose Jesus.”
“Most of the songs are songs of praise,” explained Fr. Borno. “It’s about God coming into our lives, and ultimately thank you songs.”
The album took two years to complete and features ten original songs, nine of which are sung in French Creole.
The youngest Borno brother — Jean Marion — said the inspiration behind their music is their mother, Sylvie.
“I feel great because I learned from my mom. I remember when I was two, three, four-year-old,” he said. “I always saw my mom singing, praising the Lord, That’s where I learned from.”
“My mom was always singing in the house. She used to sing all the songs. at times we’d ask, ‘Where did she get these songs?,’” Fr. Borno explained.
The Borno brothers are releasing their album on Nov. 30. The proceeds from the sales go to feeding children in Haiti.
“We know that at times they spend the whole day without food. And at times they would go into school in the morning with no food,” Fr. Borno explained.
Now, their songs will feed the mind, body and soul.