BRANDON MOREL(the Symbol)
Brandon Morel, affectionately known as The Symbol, is first and foremost a devoted husband and father. His family is the foundation of his mission, inspiring the way he creates, serves, and shares the Gospel. Alongside this vocation, Brandon is a Catholic creative, retreat leader, emcee, and dynamic Hip Hop artist. Through his imaginative process, he brings the timeless message of the Gospel to life—both in person and in digital spaces—bridging faith, culture, and creativity in ways that resonate with today’s world.
With over 15 years of dedicated service in youth ministry and evangelization across New York City and beyond, Brandon has impacted countless young people and families through his music, media, and ministry.
As the founder of BeTheSymbol LLC, Brandon has expanded his mission into publishing, media, and creative evangelization. His recent projects include:
Brandon’s journey has also included pivotal ministry roles such as:
Today, through BeTheSymbol LLC, Brandon continues to write, perform, speak, and create content that inspires people to encounter Christ in real and authentic ways. Whether through his books, comics, music, or live events, he remains committed to building a culture of faith that is bold, creative, and unapologetically Catholic—always rooted in the love he carries as a husband and father.
With over 15 years of dedicated service in youth ministry and evangelization across New York City and beyond, Brandon has impacted countless young people and families through his music, media, and ministry.
As the founder of BeTheSymbol LLC, Brandon has expanded his mission into publishing, media, and creative evangelization. His recent projects include:
- Books – launching works like the Last Words / Lift My Hands 30-Day Devotional and The 5 M’s of Youth Ministry
- Comics – developing the Spirit in the City / Fuego Dove comic series, which brings the Holy Spirit’s presence into urban life through powerful storytelling
- Podcasts & Media – serving as co-host of the Sainthood in the City podcast alongside Bishop Joseph Espillat, Dr. Alex Gotay Jr., and Henry Virgil, amplifying conversations on faith and culture
- Music & Art – continuing his legacy as one of the pioneers of Catholic Hip Hop, combining lyrical excellence with a deep love for Christ and His Church
Brandon’s journey has also included pivotal ministry roles such as:
- Guiding youth as a minister at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church (Queens)
- Organizing Bodega Teens NYC at Santa Maria Parish (Bronx)
- Serving with Idente Youth and the World Youth Parliament
- Spearheading the AMDG Movement, a pioneering Catholic Hip Hop platform
- Contributing to the Mount Carmel Teen Project against gang violence (Bronx)
- Leading youth evangelization at St. Michael–St. Malachy Parish (Brooklyn) and helping establish the Solanus Casey Center for Youth and Families
- Founding The Encounter NYC, an apostolate of the Idente Missionaries
- Served as President of All Is Love Inc.
- Working with Young Life Catholic Missions staff to build ecumenical dialogue and relational ministry
- Creating as a designer with the Exodus 40 clothing line
- Empowering youth through media, arts, and theater productions in New York City public schools
- Past service as Director of Youth Evangelization and Digital Ministry at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church(Brooklyn, NY)
- Past leadership as primary coordinator for the VBCC Ambassador Program for the Diocese of Brooklyn
Today, through BeTheSymbol LLC, Brandon continues to write, perform, speak, and create content that inspires people to encounter Christ in real and authentic ways. Whether through his books, comics, music, or live events, he remains committed to building a culture of faith that is bold, creative, and unapologetically Catholic—always rooted in the love he carries as a husband and father.
