To mark the first anniversary of the Mosque shooting tragedy, Father James Lyons and Fr Chris Skinner have worked with each other to record two commemorative songs. Lyons sent a link to the songs to the prime minister with a note saying: “We think these songs could play a part in this current time of Read more
The Mission Concert is close to a full house just seven days after announcing Phil Collins as its top billing. Promoters said the tickets have all sold bar a “small allocation” of extra tickets that will go on sale next week. continue reading
Ta’u Pupu’ moved from Tonga to the United States with his family when he was about eight years old, the youngest of nine siblings. As a young man, he was accepted into Weber State University in Utah on a full football scholarship. From there he was drafted to the Cleveland Browns. He later went on to Read more
The solfège, (do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti) came from an 8th-century hymn written by a monk, Paul the Deacon In 11th-century Guido of Arezzo created an early version of the solfège system based on the lyrics of Paul the Deacon’s hymn. Read more
Palm Sunday, I go to early morning Mass and the entrance hymn is an old friend! It’s an old, (1840,) Methodist hymn, “All Glory Laud And Honor!! Now I admit, the blessing of the palms and the reading of the Passion we’re moving, and the homily was first rate! But, as good as it was, Read more
The 2016 Church Tour will bring four legendary New Zealand songwriters, recording artists, and performers together on stage. In a unique concert collaboration, Sharon O’Neill, Shona Laing, Debbie Harwood and Hammond Gamble will visit environs of some of the country’s most beautiful churches and cathedrals. While all four artists have worked with each other previously Read more
Next year Brother Alois, the prior and successor of Brother Roger the founder of Taizé, will be visiting New Zealand from the 9 t0 11 February. He will be accompanied by Brothers Matthew and Ghishlan. While they are in New Zealand they will be taking part in events in Otaki, Wellington and Christchurch. The Taizé Read more
John Cameron always had faith. It just took a brand-new suit for him to find it. It was an 18th birthday present, and he wanted to wear it straight away. But, as a teenager “mucking around … wasting potential” in west Auckland, he was dressed up with nowhere to go – but church. “I just Read more
An interfaith radio station, playing some of the world’s most beautiful sacred music has just been launched. Sacred Music Radio which plays 24 hours a day, features religious and sacred pieces of music from the Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Zoroastrian and Islamic faiths, as well as music not directly connected with any specific religion. Michael Read more
Father Chris Skinner has teamed up with Christchurch-based soprano Janice Bateman who’s 2011 debut album ‘Here I Am’ knocked Justin Bieber out of a chart position he’d held for 10 weeks. Their Album, ‘Reason to Believe’ is to be released on 1 November. Brian Martin, from the Hawke’s Bay, brought the two singers together. In Read more