Let Go, Be Free

“This song was born from a simple truth that I have learned in my many years as a Jesuit: freedom is not found in holding on, but in letting go. I have counseled many who feared poverty, who worried that in giving up worldly possessions, they would lose themselves. But in the wisdom of Christ and St. Ignatius, I have found the opposite to be true. When we release our need for control, for security, for the things that will always fade, we make space for something far greater—grace, peace, and the joy of serving without fear. I wrote this song as an invitation, a gentle call to all who struggle with letting go. May it bring you the same peace it has brought me.” (Padre Angelo, S. J.)

The Whisper in the Chapel: When Padre Angelo Wrote “Let Go, Be Free”

The monastery in Rome had stood for centuries, its stone walls holding the echoes of countless prayers. Padre Angelo had walked its corridors for decades, guiding young Jesuits through the Spiritual Exercises, listening to their struggles, and teaching them the beauty of simplicity. But that evening, as he sat alone in the candlelit chapel, he found himself reflecting on his own journey.

A young novice, Brother Luca, had come to him earlier in the day, troubled. "Padre," he had said hesitantly, "I understand the vow of poverty in my mind, but my heart resists. I worked so hard before joining the order—I had dreams of security, of a future I built myself. How do I let go of that? How do I find peace in having nothing?"

Padre Angelo had smiled, placing a reassuring hand on the young man’s shoulder. "You do not have nothing, Brother Luca. You have everything that truly matters. You will see."

Now, in the quiet of the chapel, those words came back to him. He looked at the simple wooden crucifix above the altar, the figure of Christ with arms open—not holding, not grasping, but offering everything.

Padre Angelo reached for the small leather notebook he carried with him and, with careful strokes of his aging hands, he began to write:

"I once held dreams of golden towers,

Of treasures bright, of fleeting power.

But in the silence, You called to me,

'Let go, be free, come follow Me.'"

He paused, feeling the words settle deep in his heart. Had he not once struggled the same way as Brother Luca? He, too, had dreamed of comfort, of certainty, before discovering that the greatest peace lay in surrender.

The melody came naturally, a quiet tune like a whispered prayer. He hummed as he wrote, hearing the echoes of all those he had counseled over the years—the anxious, the uncertain, the ones afraid to release their grip on the things they thought defined them.

As he penned the final words, his heart felt light. He knew this song was not just for the novices—it was for anyone who still carried the weight of what they could not let go. He closed his eyes, whispered a prayer of gratitude, and let the silence fill the room.

Tomorrow, he would share this song. But tonight, he simply sat with it, letting it sink into his soul like the candlelight flickering against the chapel walls.

A solemn yet uplifting song on the Jesuit vow of poverty, written from the perspective of a wise and contemplative elder Jesuit. The song evokes the stillness of a monastery at dawn, with soft acoustic guitar, gentle organ, and choral harmonies creating a sacred atmosphere. The lyrics reflect his deep spiritual wisdom, emphasizing detachment from material wealth, inner freedom, and trust in divine providence. The melody is warm, peaceful, and deeply reflective, drawing the listener into a prayerful state. The song feels timeless, as if it could be sung by generations of Jesuits seeking God's presence through simplicity.

“Let Go, Be Free” by Padre Angelo, S. J.

(Verse 1 – Soft, reflective)

I once held dreams of golden towers,
Of treasures bright, of fleeting power.
But in the silence, You called to me,
"Let go, be free, come follow Me."

(Chorus – Gentle, choral harmony)

Let go, be free, hold nothing tight,
The dawn will break, and bring new light.
What fades away is not your worth,
But love remains, the richest earth.

(Verse 2 – Steady, growing in depth)

I’ve walked with those who’ve searched for peace,
Their hearts held down, they sought release.
I told them, "Look beyond the dust,"
For God provides, in Him we trust.

(Chorus – Stronger, rising in warmth)

Let go, be free, hold nothing tight,
The dawn will break, and bring new light.
What fades away is not your worth,
But love remains, the richest earth.

(Bridge – Whispered prayer, organ and strings swelling)

No coin can weigh a soul in flight,
No gold can fill the heart with light.
True joy is found in hands unchained,
Where love and grace alone remain.

(Final Chorus – Choir soaring, yet peaceful)

Let go, be free, hold nothing tight,

The dawn will break, and bring new light.
The world may fade, but God will stay,
In poverty, we find the way.

(Outro – Fading to stillness, like morning prayer)

"Let go, be free, come follow Me..."

Lascia Andare, Sii Libero

(Di Padre Angelo, S.J.)

[Verso 1]

Un tempo sognavo ricchezze e potere,  

tesori d’oro, mura da erigere.  

Ma nel silenzio ho udito Te,  

"Lascia andare, vieni con Me."  

[Pre-Ritornello]

Non temo nulla, nulla possiedo,  

solo la grazia che in Te rivedo.  

[Ritornello]  

Lascia andare, sii libero,  

cammina leggero dietro al Signore.  

Nulla trattengo, tutto è dono,  

trovo la pace nel Suo perdono.  

[Verso 2]  

Mani vuote, cuore leggero,  

seguo la strada senza un sentiero.  

Ogni ricchezza svanirà,  

ma il Suo amore resterà.  

[Pre-Ritornello]  

Non temo nulla, nulla possiedo,  

solo la grazia che in Te rivedo.  

[Ritornello]  

Lascia andare, sii libero,  

cammina leggero dietro al Signore.  

Nulla trattengo, tutto è dono,  

trovo la pace nel Suo perdono.  

[Bridge] (Coro in armonia, dolce e intenso)  

Non nelle cose, non nel potere,  

ma nel Suo abbraccio voglio vivere.  

Non nelle ricchezze, non nella fama,  

ma nella grazia che mai si consuma.  

[Ritornello Finale] (Voce piena di luce e speranza)  

Lascia andare, sii libero,  

cammina leggero dietro al Signore.  

Nulla trattengo, tutto è dono,  

trovo la pace nel Suo perdono.  

[Outro] (Sussurrato, come una preghiera)  

Ora ho niente, eppure ho il cielo,  

nelle Sue mani, sono libero davvero.