Dana will perform at St. Peter, Jubilee

Irish recording artist Dana, who has performed for popes, will present a Lenten Retreat at St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Parish in Corpus Christi on Saturday, March 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Theme of the Retreat is “Remember, Rejoice and Renew,” which reflects the theme of the Centennial Jubilee of the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

In addition to the retreat, Dana will perform at a family concert at the parish on Sunday, March 25, from 3-5 p.m. The following day, March 26, she will participate in the diocese’s formation conference and jubilee Mass at the American Bank Center.

All her appearances in the diocese will be free of charge, said Msgr. Morgan Rowsome, pastor of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles. Msgr. Rowsome spoke with Dana by phone recently and said “she is very excited about being with us for the mini-retreat, the family concert and the Jubilee Mass.”

Dana is today recognized as one of Ireland’s most successful entertainers, having enjoyed outstanding acclaim through best selling recordings, top rated television appearances, performances for popes and at World Youth Days.

At the 1993 World Youth Day in Denver, Colorado, she sang for Blessed John Paul II, leading more than 280,000 young people with her song, “We are One Body.”

During the 1990s she hosted her own music and talk show television series, “Say Yes and We are One Body” on EWTN Catholic Cable Network. She also toured throughout the United States performing in concerts and giving talks about the importance of her Catholic faith and her respect for life.

Dana has remained close to her Irish roots, working tirelessly for peace, Christian values and respect for life. Her music and witness to family values has earned her respect in the United States and in Europe as a spokesperson for the Christian family and the pro-life movement.

In the spring of 2004, she became the first woman to be awarded the highly acclaimed San Benedetto (St. Benedict) Award in Subiacco, Italy, for her outstanding work in defending family and life. She was personally congratulated by the then Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI.

In 2006, Dana founded her own new music production company that has released many albums, such as “In Memory of Me”, “Totus Tuus” dedicated to the memory of Blessed John Paul II, “A Rosary of Healing,” as well as several contemporary Christian music albums, such as “Little Baby”, “Songs for Life”, “Dana’s Ireland” and “Lady of Knock.”

“All are invited to attend Dana’s mini retreat at St. Peter’s,” Msgr. Rowsome said. The church is located at 3901 Violet Road in the Annaville area of Corpus Christi.

For more information, call the St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles parish office at (361) 241-3249.