The country's most famous singing priest has just launched a new album.
Carlow based Fr Liam Lawton has embarked on a nationwide tour with his new album Courage Can Cry.
According to Fr Lawton the writing of his second major project, a
collection of twelve songs, in the past twelve months was a long-term
process, which began with time in South Africa retracing visits to
places like Robben Island.
The album was recorded in Ireland and Prague over the past ten
months, with Fr Liam being joined by both the Prague Philharmonic
Orchestra and the Sligo Cathedral Choir.
The album features special guests the Vard Sisters who perform Spero Lucem.
Ordained a priest in 1984 and now living in Carlow, Liam developed a
passion for music a young age and over the years has specialised in
sacred and inspirational compositions.
He has also been commissioned to
compose several orchestral pieces, a number of which have been
premiered in the Symphony Hall in Chicago.
Fr Liam has also performed on some of the world's biggest stages
including New York's Carnegie Hall, Symphony Centre Chicago, Downshill
Park Toronto and Paul VI Auditorium in the Vatican.
Last year Fr Lawton published a book entitled The Hope Prayer which
was reissued again this autumn.
Many local and national charities will
benefit from Fr Lawton's nationwide tour, which commenced in the
Archdiocese of Armagh recently.
SIC: CIN/IE