UCA News
Contribute

Christian idols release debut album

Catholic talent show compilation showcases spiritual songs 'of liturgical importance'
Christian idols release debut album
Contestants in the talent show
Published: May 30, 2011 06:16 AM GMT
Updated: May 30, 2011 09:50 AM GMT

The country's only Catholic TV channel has released a first compilation CD of songs from a talent contest for Christian youth in the country. The album Jesus Tides Over, with tracks from the show Rising Stars, was launched at a second-anniversary event for Catholic TV at St. Francis Church in Lahore. Bishop Sebastian Shah of Lahore said it was an important event. “The (Catholic TV) team deserves support and encouragement for bringing up new talent. The album is of liturgical importance and will be equally beneficial for faithful and non-church goers,” he said after unveiling the audio and video CDs. Lack of finance had delayed the production for five years, said Capuchin Father Morris Jalal, parish priest of St. Francis Church and the channel’s executive director. “We are running without outside funding. Also I was transferred to another parish and had to regroup.” The album has 12 spiritual tracks running over one hour. Peace and thanksgiving are its major themes. Faisal Pervaiz, 22, who sang four songs on the album, said Rising Stars gave him a career in the music industry. Together with his sister, Pervaiz has worked for several channels as a backing singer and now earns about 30,000 rupees (US$ 350) per month. It was a rough start. “I was in grade 10 when I joined the Church sponsored music competition. Without a vehicle or a job, I spent thousands on tuk-tuk travel for recordings,” said the youth. Rising Stars has run for two seasons in five years. The winner of season one now works as a musician in a five-star hotel.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia