From time to time, music seems to take a decided style change, with listeners demanding music that allows them to get back to the basics. This certainly seems to be the case now as three priests have recently signed a recording deal with music legend Sony BMG. The deal is expected to be worth one million pounds. The group has indicated all proceeds from the album will go to charity.
The group; aptly named The Priests, hail from Northern Island. With musical tastes that are said to be quite Catholic, the group’s debut album, due out in November, is much awaited by music fans who have been desirous of more spiritually based music and found the offerings to date lacking.
The Priests’ album, which the group has already begun to record, is expected to include traditional hymns such as Ave Maria as well as various opera classics and portions of the Latin Mass.
Fathers Martin O’Hagan, his brother Eugene, and David Delargy comprise the group. Father Eugene O’Hagan presides over the Parish of Ballyclare and Ballygowan while his brother Martin presides over the Parish of Cushendun. Father David Delargy presides over the Parish of Hannahstown.
All three are old friends and first began to hone their musical abilities during attendance at St. MacNissi’s College in County Antrim. During their time there, the three earned the nickname ‘Holy Holy Holy’ due to their shared dream of becoming priests.
Upon their departure from St. MacNissi’s, the group continued vocational training at The Seminary in Belfast. Here, Father Eugene took the opportunity to specialise in Scholastic Philosophy and English. Father Martin as well as Father David specialized in Scholastic Philosophy and Ancient History. All three priests studied under Mr. Frank Capper at this time. Their vocational training was concluded at Irish College in Rome, where they were awarded with tuition for their singing. It was during this time that the rare talent of their combined voices was first recognized. The Pope’s private secretary invited the group to sing for the Pope.
As a result of the record contract, the group will be able to bring their love of singing to a much broader audience. Their singing style will not change as their group has always performed sacred music. This new opportunity will certainly provide them with the opportunity to share their faith and love of music with many more people.
Initially, the group appeared to have been surprised by the interest posed by BMG in their signing. Their surprise was certainly not without warrant, as The Priests are paving new ground as there have previously been no instances of priests who have gone on to professionally record music
Determined not to depart from their calling, the group’s contract contains a special clause that will allow them to take breaks from promotional activities in order to meet pastoral responsibilities. All three have indicated that first and foremost, they will remain priests and continue in their dedication to serving specialized ministries within their parishes. Those with interest in Christian music should certainly take a listen.