The Singing Friar

Friar Alessandro

It seems to be a story made for the cinema, but it is real life and perfectly true. 34 year-old Franciscan, Friar Alessandro, until recently, sang whilst he worked as a carpenter at the basilica of St Mary of the Angels in Assisi and helped some of the millions of visitors who annually visit the tiny church of the Portiuncula and the chapel marking the spot where St Francis of Assisi died on 3 October 1226.

St Francis saw himself as God's troubadour, travelling around and carrying, often in music, the Gospel message. Now, Fra Alessandro is truly following in the footsteps of 'the little poor man of Assisi'. 'Discovered' by Decca, the young Franciscan tenor released a CD, Voice from Assisi, in October. Within days, Classic FM had declared the CD its Album of the Week (8 October).

Now, Channel 5 has filmed its own documentary about the signing of Fra Alessandro to record a CD, telling his story and showing stunning views of Assisi in the process. Having taken a personal vow of poverty, Friar Alessandro will not accept any money from record sales and his day to day life will not change. Proceeds will go directly to the Order of Friars Minor for its charitable work.

Originally entitled Faith, Fame and the Friar, it is now listed as The Singing Friar and will be screened on Sunday 2 December at 6.25pm on Channel 5.