Could viral videos of a priest drumming on Instagram be a catalyst for conversion in people's lives?

For Dominican priest Father Hyacinth Marie Cordell, O.P., this seems to be the case.

Father Hyacinth, the pastor of Saint Patrick Church in Philadelphia, has become an overnight sensation on Instagram with his drumming videos. With over two million views, more than 200,000 likes, and even a comment from Metallica, he’s navigating the unexpected intersection of social media fame and his pastoral duties. In an interview with ChurchPOP, he discussed the new opportunities this presents, his vocation story, and his rise to fame.

"I wanted to be a famous drummer," Father Hyacinth said, explaining how his journey began. His father, a former drummer, occasionally played for local performances, sparking young Hyacinth’s interest in drumming. However, high school marked the beginning of a profound spiritual conversion for him.

“I didn’t know how the two would go together,” he said, referring to his simultaneous growing passion for drumming and a deeper call toward Christ.

In a previous interview with Shalom World, he shared, “I had plans for the rest of my life. I wanted to be a famous drummer, assumed I’d get married, had names for my future kids—I never asked God what He wanted.”

After securing a scholarship to a prestigious music school and joining the top college drumline in the country, he suddenly left to discern the priesthood. He spent several years with the Society of Our Mother of Peace, living in hermitages and evangelizing door-to-door in St. Louis, before finding his place with the Dominicans. "I finally was where God was calling me," he said.

Father Hyacinth launched his Instagram page, @benedictusesdomine, just two months ago in May. His first post, despite technical mishaps, went viral with 250,000 views and over 16,000 likes. “All of a sudden, I found myself with a widely diverse audience of thousands, many of whom are not Catholic or practicing,” he shared.

Notable musicians like Tosin Abasi, Evan Marien, and El Estepario are among his followers, and many have praised his unique blend of music and spirituality. “Seeing a priest involved in music and being positive and encouraging in comments can help break down prejudices,” he said.

Father Hyacinth has connected with many who might otherwise have no contact with the Church. People have reached out with questions about faith and even inquiries about baptism. Despite his initial aversion to social media, his Instagram presence has drawn hearts closer to Christ.

He asks fellow Catholics to pray for him as he balances his pastoral responsibilities with this new avenue for evangelization.