Article credits: ON THE WINGS OF MY DREAM
We already heard the three tenors, but this time, it is the Priests time to take the center stage! The Clerical garb clad singing trio took the world by storm with their heavenly voices. Father Eugene O’Hagan of the Parish of Ballyclare and Ballygowan, Father Martin O’Hagan of the Parish of Cushendun and Father David Delargy of the Parish of Hannahstown, all came from the Diocese of Down and Connor in Ireland. Their self-titled debut album entered the UK Album Chart at #5, just behind Rhydian, Guns N’ Roses, The Killers and Leona Lewis after a weeks of release. As if the charts was not enough, their debut album also officially became the ‘Fastest-selling UK debut for a classical act’ as certified by Guinness World Records.
The trio met at St. MacNissi’s College while they were students and there in that campus, they formed their group. They were nicknamed as “Holy Holy Holy” by their peers because of their dedication to their vocations as well to their utilization of their God given talents. They responded to their vocations and became priests. Now they are actual clergy serving their own parishes and administering the seven sacraments to the People. You may have mistaken them as celebrities, but they are ordinary priests when they are off the stage.
The Trio signed up for a hefty $2Million dollar contract with Sony BMG and part of the the proceeds of their album will go to charities, which is legally included in their contracts. Included in their contract is a clause stating that the recording and promotion of the album will not in anyway interfere, obstruct or hinder their duties as priests. So if there is an on call for a funeral while they are recording, then definitely duty comes first before the recording.
It’s quite amazing how three priests actually penetrated the secularism- dominated record industry in Europe. As of this writing, their album is peaking no.1 in various countries in Europe. I just wish their songs can bring many lukewarm souls back to the faith.
Take a look of this awesome performance of the trio. Their rehearsal for the Oh Holy Night number: