News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Microphone-main_article_image.jpg
Alex Indigo Flickr
World News

Singing bishop is an internet star

by Hannah Tooley

The Times reported that Bishop Antonio Staglianò of Noto in Sicily had begun including pop songs in his homily at mass.

Speaking in the Italian newspaper, La Repubblica, the bishop said he first began to use the technique a year ago when he noticed younger people in the congregation were distracted during the service.

He said: "Suddenly I had got everyone's attention. I was surprised by the effects pop songs can have."

The video was posted on YouTube after he burst into song in the town of Scicli. His internet fame follows after a nun, Sister Cristina Succia, won Italy's version of The Voice last year.

Pope Francis has urged his priests to listen to their congregations and get on the same level as their listeners when they preach. Bishop Staglianò said he was putting the Pope's words into practice when he began signing to the church.

Watch Bishop Staglianò breaking into song here:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate