Here\u2019s today’s dispatch from the crossroads of faith, media and culture.<\/p>\n
Advent at Ephesus <\/em>is a hit. <\/strong>The Advent album from the sisters serving in the contemplative community of\u00a0 the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles<\/a> in rural Missouri is No. 1 on Billboard magazine\u2019s Traditional Classical Music Chart for the third straight week, rising above a group of Classical albums that includes Andrea Bocelli, Placido Domingo, Fifty Shades of Grey Classical<\/em>, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir\u2019s Once Upon a Christmas<\/em>, and the London Symphony Orchestra\u2019s Christmas Classics. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n \u201cA No. 1 ranking for the third straight week in a row is a resounding response from consumers who are desirous of the sacred and divine. Amid this second week of Advent, there is still much more of this beautiful sacred season ahead. We hope the music and peaceful reflections found in ADVENT AT EPHESUS<\/em><\/strong> will continue to be loved by and shared with as many as possible!\u201d says Monica Fitzgibbons, the co-founder of De Montfort Music<\/a> who I spoke with<\/a> prior to the CD’s official release.<\/p>\n Advent at Ephesus <\/em><\/strong>has also\u00a0 captured an impressive top 200 ranking in Billboard<\/em><\/strong>\u2019s mainstream chart. It also ranks No. 9 on the Contemporary Christian chart, No. 10 on the Gospel chart, and No. 20 on the Internet Album chart.The album is available as a\u00a0 CD and via digital download through such online retailers as Amazon, Barnes & Noble and the iTunes Store.<\/p>\n Meanwhile,\u00a0EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) will re-air its 30-minute special about the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, and the making of Advent at Ephesus <\/em><\/strong>this Saturday morning (Dec. 15) at 9:00 AM (ET). The show takes viewers inside the home of the sisters for a look at their simple life and the music that fills their every day at the Priory of Our Lady of Ephesus which is tucked away in the rolling farmland of northwest Missouri.<\/p>\n \u201cOur way of life here is truly one of great peace and tranquility,\u201d Mother Cecilia, the Prioress of the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles says. \u201cSince not everybody can come here \u2013 and since we\u2019re not going out into the world \u2013 Advent at Ephesus <\/em><\/strong>is a way that we can just give a little taste of our life and let people experience it and be part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n