Nuns Make Billboard Chart History

A group of contemplative nuns from Missouri put their prayerful singing onto a CD -- and it's been at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Classical Music Chart for 13 consecutive weeks.

"Angels and Saints at Ephesus" features the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles.

This is the first time since 2006 that a group has occupied the top spot on the chart for that many weeks.

"Angels and Saints at Ephesus" was released May 7. It has English and Latin pieces sung a cappella for the feasts of the holy saints and angels. 

“Not since 2006 has a group occupied the No. 1 spot for 13 weeks in a row on Billboard’s Classical Traditional Chart,” said Monica Fitzgibbons, cofounder of De Montfort Music. “To have this accomplishment come from a group of monastic sisters is simply miraculous. The collection of music is soothing hearts and enabling contemplative moments. Simply a joy and honor to behold! We wish to thank all who have supported the beautiful music of the Benedictines of Mary!”

In addition to the CD, the album is available as a digital download for all devices at a variety of online retailers.

De Montfort enlisted nine-time International Grammy winning producer Christopher Alder, who hails from Germany, and two-time Grammy winning engineer Mark Donahue to record and capture the sisters in their contemplative environment.

"Angels and Saints at Ephesus" is a follow-up hit for the Benedictines, who released "Advent at Ephesus" last year.

During that Advent, ZENIT spoke with the producer and the prioress of the convent. The prioress, Mother Cecilia Snell, has a bachelor's degree in music and is a former member of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (she plays the french horn).

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On the Net:

To purchase: 

http://www.amazon.com/Angels-Saints-Ephesus-Benedictines-Apostles/dp/B00C6705WI/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1369258719&sr=1-1&keywords=angels+and+saints+at+ephesus