I noticed on my Facebook newsfeed a story about an Sr Cristina Scuccia, an Italian member of the Ursuline Sisters of the Holy Family, and her stunning performance of "No One" (originally by Alicia Keys) on the Italian version of the popular tv show, The Voice.

Her voice, enthusiasm, and spirit brought the crowd to its feet and tears to the eyes of at least one judge. Watch here.

Soon after watching, I came across an article in "The Atlantic" questioning the enthusiastic response of the crowd and wondering to what degree they were excited by the novelty of the scene, rather than by a response to the performance or to a genuine value of seeing a vowed religious in this context.

These are strong questions arising from a legitimate concern that our society of spectacle embraces even (or perhaps especially?) religiosity in a way that does not, at the same time, invite reflection and allow for the possibility of deep transformation toward God. Continue reading.

Source: Daily Theology

Image: Daily Theology

Sr Cristina Scuccia, a member of the Ursuline Sisters of the Holy Family, wowed judges on the Italian version of the TV show "The Voice".

Her audition has gone viral, with more than 3 million views on YouTube.

Clad in her black habit, Sr Christina performed a punchy rendition of Alicia Keys' "No One".

It brought forth wild cheers from the audience and moved one judge, Italian rapper J-Ax, to tears.

Answering a question from one judge, Sr Cristina assured the panel she is a real nun.

The audience gave her a standing ovation.

The 25-year-old native of the Sicily attended the auditions accompanied by her parents, and four sisters from her community

As her performance soared, her fellow sisters could not contain their excitement, cheering, clapping and jumping.

"I came here because I have a gift and I want to share that gift. I am here to evangelise," Sr Christina said.

Asked what the Vatican would make of her performance, Sr Christina said: "I don't know. I'm expecting a telephone call from Pope Francis, certainly."

"Because he exhorts us to go out, to evangelise, to say that God does not take from us, but rather gives us more," she continued.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, the president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, tweeted his admiration for Sr Cristina's performance.

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others (1 Peter 4:10)," the cardinal posted on Twitter.

Last year, Sr Cristina won a Christian music competition as part of the Good News Festival.

Then she explained that she had found her vocation while playing a nun in a musical.

Sources:

• The Guardian
• News.co.au
• Sydney Morning Herald
• Image: Irish Examiner