The Singing Priests of N. Ireland Sign Record Deal

Fr. Eugene describes the group as having "very Catholic tastes." The group's debut album will include parts of the Latin Mass, traditional hymns like the Ave Maria and Panis Angelicus, and a selection of opera classics.

LONDON (CNA) - Three Catholic priests from Northern Ireland have signed a recording contract worth nearly $2 million for the music giant Sony BMG.

Fathers Eugene O'Hagan, 48, his brother Martin, 45, and their old school friend David Delargy, 44, signed the deal near the steps of Westminster Cathedral. The three men, who call their trio "The Priests," said they would donate the money made from the music to charity.

The three priests developed their musical talent at St. MacNissi's College in County Antrim. There, they were nicknamed "Holy Holy Holy" because of their shared aspirations to become priests. According to the Daily Telegraph, they received singing tuition while studying at the Irish College in Rome, going on to perform in the Vatican choir.

Father Eugene said the signing of the 1 million British pound contract was "breathtaking," saying the record deal may be "God's design."

Fr. Eugene describes the group as having "very Catholic tastes." The group's debut album will include parts of the Latin Mass, traditional hymns like the Ave Maria and Panis Angelicus, and a selection of opera classics.

"Singing is very much what we do," Father David said. "This is bringing it to a wider audience. We are singing sacred music, continuing what we have always been doing."

The group has a special exemption or "rider" in their contract that will allow them to break from promotional efforts to fulfill their pastoral duties, like presiding over weddings and funerals. Father Martin explained the exemption, saying, "Our work means a great deal to us. We are priests first and foremost. Our work will be at the heart of our plans."

"Obviously they won't be available for TV appearances on Sunday mornings," said Nick Raphael, the Sony BMG executive and managing director of Epic Records who negotiated the signing.

Raphael lauded the group, saying, "Their voices are incredible. I'm extremely excited. They're going to be wonderful global superstars."

He told The Telegraph that the priests were "quite shocked by our interest but very excited. We are unaware of any other priests who have become recording artists. The closest thing we can think of was the Singing Nun back in the 1960s."

The Priests' album is scheduled for release in November. A video with short clips of "The Priests" can be seen here: http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1456296467?bctid=1519065763

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