14 DAY TRIAL // A parish priest surprised guests at a wedding ceremony in Ireland and brought bride and groom to tears by singing his own personalized version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”
Father Ray Kelly definitely stole the show when he delivered an incredible custom-made cover of the popular song during a marriage ceremony at an Oldcastle church, in County Meathe. Bride and groom Chris and Leah O’Kane said they had no idea the priest was going to open their ceremony in such an incredible manner, but they were stunned by his amazing performance.
The couple is not from the area and chose the church just because it was having the reception at a nearby hotel.
“Normally local people know I sing at weddings, funerals or when I’m asked, but they didn’t know – the bride Leah is from Dublin and the groom Chris is from Cookstown in County Tyrone,” the father explained.
At the rehearsal on Thursday evening, the clergyman told the couple he might sing a song for them, but they didn't seem to take it too seriously. That's why they were really surprised when the father broke into the song with an incredible rendition of “Hallelujah.”
According to New York Daily News, Fr. Kelly changed some of the lyrics to be more appropriate for the occasion and the couple, and his heartwarming performance brought tears of joy on the bride's face. He finished his spectacular mini show in a thunder of applause and cheering.
The personalized version of the song included lyrics such as: “We join together here today, to help two people on their way, as Leah and Chris start their life together,” and “As Leah is walking up the aisle and Chris looks on and gives a smile.”
The priest revealed he was a trained singer and was part of the The All Priests Show in Dublin. For him, music is a hobby, but he doesn't hesitate to show his talent when asked to.
“I enjoy singing, but I wouldn't want to do it full time — I love what I'm doing as a priest. The way I look at it is, it's a gift one has, and if you have a gift you use it,” he says.
Father Ray Kelly's performance was caught on camera and the video was viewed more than 2,5 million times on YouTube in a few days. Some say he has plans to release a charity album to coincide with his 25th year since being ordained.
