Here’s a video promo for an Advent album that we promoted through a “quick read” on page 2 of our Nov. 15 issue. It debuted at #4 on Billboard’s classical album chart. It also charted third (behind two other newcomers) on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart and #19 on the Christian albums chart.
And as a refresher, here’s the text of that printed announcement:
The Benedictine Sisters of Mary, Queen of Apostles, with the help of Decca and De Montfort Music, are releasing “Advent At Ephesus,” a 16-track album Nov. 20. The album was recorded in three days at the sisters’ 260-acre property in northwestern Missouri.
It features one original work — the prioress graduated from a music school and once played in an orchestra’s horn section — plus traditional English and Latin hymns, Gregorian chants and medieval harmonies. Order online or look for it in stores.
Like the Poor Clare Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Tonopah, Ariz., the Benedictine Sisters of Mary — in western Missouri — are still raising money to build and move into their permanent monastery. The Benedictine website says that if you buy the CD through that venue, “a significant amount” will go back to the sisters. They’re paying down a debt on the guesthouse they’re living in before building a permanent monastery.
Interested in hearing more from the Benedictine sisters? Tune in to EWTN today at 9 a.m. Arizona time (11 a.m. ET) for a 30-minute special in the sisters and the making of their album. According to a press release:
The program takes viewers inside the home of these contemplative sisters for a look at their simple life and the music that fills their every day at the Priory of Our Lady of Ephesus, tucked away in the rolling farmland of northwest Missouri. “Our way of life here is truly one of great peace and tranquility,” said Mother Cecilia, the Prioress of the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles. “Since not everybody can come here – and since we’re not going out into the world – Advent at Ephesus is a way that we can just give a little taste of our life and let people experience it and be part of it.”
Repeat broadcasts are at 4 a.m and 10 p.m. ET Dec. 5 — which is two hours ahead of Arizona — 6 p.m. ET Dec. 12 and 9 a.m. ET Dec. 15.
