Three Roman Catholic priests have geared up for global superstardom by signing a £1 million contract with music giant Sony BMG.
Father Eugene O’Hagen, 48, his brother Martin, 45, and their old school friend David Delargy, 44, who all hold parishes in the Northern Ireland diocese of Down and Connor, sealed the deal by the steps of London’s Westminster Cathedral.
The singing trio, known as The Priests, said they would give money they made themselves from the music to charity.
The group have a special exemption in their contract, which allows them to break off from promotional duties to deal with parish work such as presiding over funerals.
The three realised their musical prowess at St MacNissi’s College, Co Antrim, where they were nicknamed Holy Holy Holy due to their shared determination to enter the priesthood.
Fr Eugene, of the Parish of Ballyclare and Ballygowan – Church of the Sacred Heart and and Church of the Holy Family, described the signing as "breathtaking".
Fr Martin, of the Parish of Cushendun – Church of St Patrick (Craigagh), Church of St Mary, The Star of the Sea (Culraney) explained the reason behind the clause which allowed the priests to carry out their parish duties.
He said: "Our work means a great deal to us. We are priests first and foremost. Our work will be at the heart of our plans."
It seems to me judging the business of most priests that their "pastoral rider" on their contract will pretty much keep them from doing an promotional work.
Update: Mulier Fortis has a video of them and they actually sing sacred music and are very talented.
3 comments
Hmm, well maybe their singing might be an evangelical tool … but I had to chuckle at “parish work such as presiding at funerals.” Whatever happened to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass? Presumably parish priests offer that daily or almost daily for the faithful? And what about Sundays?
Unless it be the rather sad state that all of Fathers’ parishioners are just two steps from the grave and there is no one else left …
Look here: http://mulier-fortis.blogspot.com/2008/04/pleasantly-surprised.html They sing sacred music and wear clericals, they seem alright.
They can get permission from their bishop to take a sabbatical/vacation to do this evangelistic work, and they can arrange for other priests to take their parishes meanwhile. But they may be needed for funerals, First Communions, etc. of some parishioners or family members who are close to them.
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