Chart-Success Nuns Compete for Christmas Number One

A collective of singing nuns, having recorded at Abbey Road studios instead of their West Sussex abbey, anticipates that their two recently released singles might achieve significant chart success once more. The Poor Clares of Arundel previously saw their debut album, “Light for the World,” secure the fifth position on the UK Official Album Chart in 2020. Their subsequent album, “My Peace I Give You,” topped the Classical Chart in May. Sister Gabriel stated, “Singing is part of our life. It’s part of our tradition. We sing three times a day.” The sisters are optimistic that a fresh rendition of “Silent Night,” alongside “Hodie Christus,” an ancient Gregorian chant, will challenge Mariah Carey and Wham for the coveted Christmas number one spot this year. According to Sister Aelred, upon the initial suggestion of recording, “we laughed, we thought this was a ridiculous idea. “Some of us love singing, some of us hate singing”.” The singles, distributed by Decca, the record label associated with artists like Diana Ross and Andrea Bocelli, were recorded at the Arundel convent and subsequently mixed at the renowned Abbey Road studios in London. The nuns, whose ages span from 50 to 96, have garnered fan mail and requests for prayers from various global locations. Sister Leo commented, “We struggle and it’s a continuing learning process to keep on the note and keep the timing right.” The Poor Clares of Arundel are dedicating the proceeds generated from their album sales to charitable causes. For updates, follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.