The Priests, The Maynooth Gospel Choir, and Fr Liam Lawton are just some of the performers who will be taking part in the opening and closing ceremonies of the International Eucharistic Congress (IEC2012), which commences on June 10.The three tenors will perform at the opening ceremony in the RDS on Sunday. They will feature alongside the Palestrina Choir, Our Lady of Victories Choir and The Maynooth Gospel Choir among a number of other contributors.
International trio The Priests, Fuaimlaoi, award-winning soprano Celine Byrne, and world-renowned composer Fr Liam Lawton, are among the singers that will feature alongside the RTÉ Concert Orchestra at the closing ceremony, taking place at Croke Park on Sunday June 17.
Speaking ahead of their performance at the closing ceremony (Statio Orbis) Fr Eugene O'Hagan of The Priests said, “Singing at the closing Mass will be a thrilling but daunting experience. The IEC comes at a critical time in people's lives in Ireland. The IEC will strengthen our faith, our vision and our commitment to make real what we believe is at the heart of the Eucharist. We will be with so many pilgrims and it will be a unique experience for us and we'll be that little bit more nervous and anxious to give of our very best.”
Celine Bryne who will also perform at the closing ceremony said, “My faith means a lot to me and to be invited to participate in the International Eucharist Congress is both an honour and a blessing for which I am grateful.”
The opening ceremony will be hosted on the arena stage by RTÉ newscaster Bryan Dobson along with TG4 presenter Roisín Ní Thomáin.
Events commence at 1:00pm and continue until 4:45pm and will be broadcast live on RTÉ.
The closing ceremony in Croke Park will be hosted by Liveline Presenter Joe Duffy and newscaster Eileen Dunne.
Events commence at 1:00pm and will run until 5:15pm and will also be broadcast live on RTÉ.
During the week a selection of presenters will take to the arena stage, including broadcaster Joe O'Shea, TV3 newscaster Siobhan Bastable, Spirit Radio Presenter Ronan Johnston, broadcaster Brenda Power, and TV3 Presenter Paul Connolly.
Throughout the week music will be heard from Ireland's top intercultural choral group Discovery Gospel Choir who have performed for the Rev Dr Jesse Jackson and the Dalai Lama.