Dana on "The Concert of Hope" and Pope Benedict
I spoke with Irish singer Dana during the week. She's in the U.S. for some concerts. She's sang for Pope John Paul II, and will also be singing for Pope Benedict at the "Concert of Hope" that's being held prior to the Mass at Yankee Stadium. She confirmed for me that Harry Connick Jr. and Il Divo (Update: I spoke with the producer and Il Divo will not be performing) will also be performing at the concert. While she doesn't have the details yet on what she'll be singing, or how long she will be singing, she hopes to perform "We Are One Body," which she performed for Pope John Paul II at World Youth Day in Denver, and "Our Lady of Knock."
In addition, she had some interesting things to say about the Holy Father. She told me that she met Cardinal Ratzinger for a 45-minute meeting back in 2004.
“I don’t know what I expected. I expected a 6’ 6” imposing man to come through the door,” said Dana. “Instead, I found a very warm person come through the door.” Dana had been presented with the San Benedetto Award for her work upholding the family and life and met with Cardinal Ratzinger after receiving the award.
“Because I was, at that time, involved in politics, we talked about the European charter and the planned European Constitution,” said Dana. “He’s written extensively on the dangers contained in the fundamental charter of human rights. I had campaigned heavily for a reference to
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“We had had a contentious referendum on abortion in
Dana described the Pope as a “gentle, humble, warm, intelligent man.” She believes that the Pope may address some of the new sins that have been reiterated by the
“I’m sure that he must be going to expand on that,” said Dana. “I hope that he does expand upon them. We need to be taught, focused, and reminded of the responsibilities we have as Catholic Christians.”
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’s Christian roots and a reference to God in the Constitution, and the dangers to life and the family in the charter. We discussed those things.”
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