I'm not sure if any of you have heard of the 3 priests from here in Northern Ireland who last year signed a contract with Sony to record several albums of secular and religious music. They're a global sensation and their first album was a chart-topper. Oprah is trying to get them on her show and as far as I know they've performed for President Obama and the Pope.

It was with great excitement that myself and my fellow parishoners learned a couple of weeks ago that we were to get a new Parish priest - none other than Fr Martin O'Hagan, one of the chart toppers!!!! There was a great buzz around the church and when Fr O'Hagan introduced himself, he didn't disappoint! He's young, interesting and full of fun and I think he can only be good for our parish as he seems to have bonded not only with the older members but the youth too.

In case you haven't heard or seen The Priests, here they are singing a favorite hymn of mine - Ave Maria - and it's our Parish Priest singing lead!

Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7HoZGjle88

How exciting for your parish! Wow, they're really good. Ave Maria is one of the most beautiful songs ever.

Very exciting! They sound great!

They've all got fabulous voices and have been friends for many years. Two of them are brothers - amazing in itself to have two priesta in the one family - and from what we know of our own so far, he's a lot more down to earth than some of those in religious office.

Can't wait to see them on Oprah!

Maureen, that is so wonderful!! You and your parish must have been in shock when you found out! I have seen them on PBS before...my dad really loves them. In fact, that's a great Christmas idea for him! Congrats!

And if you ever hear about them coming on Oprah, please let me know---I'd like to see that too!

Sure will, Amy.

My daughter's a happy bunny! She plays violin with the church folk choir and as Fr O'Hagan sings along with them, she can now say she's accompanied one of "The Priests".

Amazing news. The music is beautiful.

He's quite a charcter as well as a singer. Sermons are short, straight to the point but SO easy to listen to because he makes them into a story. And you can tell he just LOVES music. He makes a point of asking the choir what they're going to be singing so he can join in and has promised them some new equipment - which they badly need.

I guess that million dollar contract may just come in handy!