Nick Alexander here... Were you there? Did you catch any of it? Have you read the texts of Pope Benedict XVI's messages? Here's some incredible footage I've discovered on YouTube. Enjoy. Stations of the Cross Refiner's Fire / I Love You Lord Your Grace is Enough Prayer Street Warriors (Hip Hop)

Nick Alexander here... A great place to see a ton of Catholic music is at Catholic Audio Blogspot.com.. There are many, many links to Catholic videos from MyCatholicVoice. Check it out!

Nick Alexander here... Do you have a favorite passage in Romans? This was the question we raised within the TopCatholicSongs Artist community. We wanted to celebrate the Year of St. Paul by highlighting verses that spoke to us as artists, and as Catholic Christians. Mel Kennedy shared that her favorite verse in Romans is Romans 5:1-5: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and prove character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us. She follows up with this encouragement: We not only have God's favor and blessing during good times but also during our trials. That's an amazing grace! Lawrence and DianeMarie Leach of In God's Image share two favorite verses: Romans 10:14-15 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 15:9-11 Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name." Again, it says, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people." And again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples. The members of Last Day share their collective favorite Romans passage is Romans 8:28: We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his decree. They write: Famous line of scripture, often quoted and for good reason. Encouragement for any of us going through hard times to know that 'all things work together for the GOOD of those who love God'. Finally, my own favorite verse in Romans is Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. I love this passage, because it encourages me to live out my best for the Lord. Do you have a favorite passage in Romans? Please share in the comments boxes.

Nick Alexander here... Being the Year of St. Paul, we thought it would be great to include songlists that are based on specific passages from the Pauline Epistles. This month, we examine the book of Romans. There are four songs on this list that are well worth listening to. First, Faith, Hope and Love by Donna Lee. While the chorus is based on 1 Cor 13:13, the verses are nearly taken verbatim from Romans 5. Come Holy Spirit, from Margo B. Smith, has its bridge lifted from Romans 8:26:the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.” She says, "This is a song/prayer to the Holy Spirit asking Him to help me to pray." I Will Carry You by Sean Clive, incorporates Romans 8:38:For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. He writes:"This song... is really at the heart of what I need to share with the world - God's overwhelming love for each one of us. A love that overcomes all and bears all so that one day we can fully experience in His arms, the love of God." Lastly, Simonetta has the song Why, which is a paraphrase of Romans 7. What are your favorite Romans-inspired texts? Please comment... I want to know!

Nick Alexander here... This is a video of the official theme song for World Youth Day 2008. Guy Sebastian, who sings this track, won Australian Idol. Paulini adds very beautiful support. This is a very well produced single that is both very reverential and strong lyrics. Sadly, I could not find this song on iTunes. If anybody has any information as to how to download this song, please feel free to leave it in the comments.

For Release July 8, 2008 Green Bay, WI The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity are offering a free download for young Catholics traveling to World Youth Day at their website http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org/living/ “Come Holy Ghost/Enkindle”, performed by Kataluma, re-imagines the traditional hymn, correlating with the Pentecost theme of World Youth Day 2008. It’s both a benediction for youth traveling to Sydney, as well as a way for those who can’t attend to take a ‘multicultural musical journey’. “Come Holy Ghost/Enkindle” begins with a ’summons’ to Sydney, played on an Aborigine Didgeridoo. Just as Catholic youth from around the world will bring their own culture and gifts to Sydney, it incorporates different rhythms, from Catalonian to Congolese, and instruments from around the world. Some include an accordion from Germany, electric guitar and dulcimer from the United States, kalimba from Angola, a saz, or lute from Greece, shaker from Peru, rain stick from Guatemala, harp from Ireland, trumpet from Mexico. In deference to Pope Benedict XVI’s favorite composer, it even includes a brief passage from Mozart’s ‘Rondo Alla Turca’. Also, there’s a bit of Gregorian Chant. In Mark’s Gospel, the Greek word Kataluma designates a “Dining Room” where the Last Supper takes place (and, some suggest, the same room where Pentecost occurred). More commonly, it describes the ‘breaking up or reprieve of a journey’. In this instance Kataluma designates the occasional coalescence of Milwaukee area musicians and creatives: John Tanner, Sue Bruk, Bob Monagle and Mark Kolter, who fashioned the transglobal approach to the hymn “Come Holy Ghost/Enkindle” Sister Mary Carol, OSF, of the Franciscan Sisters Music Conservatory commented “How many people today hear or sing the hymn, “Come, Holy Ghost?” Although this is the title, the actual words are first heard about 2 and 1/2 minutes into the recording. The melody to the 19th century hymn is heard in bits throughout the piece.” “Multiple listening to the song reveal a more complex composition than first expected. Our daily lives are also complicated...However, as the minutes and hours unfold, changes occur that lead to a profound belief in the Spirit who leads us through the ups and downs of each moment. “ Established in 1869, the Roman Catholic Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity serve in Catholic health care, education and parish ministries in 13 U.S. dioceses (Green Bay, Superior, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Tucson, Honolulu, Chicago, Marquette, Jackson, Lincoln, Omaha, Columbus and Steubenville). www.fscc-calledtobe.org

Nick Alexander here...

This past June 29, on the Feast Day of St. Peter and St. Paul, Pope Benedict XVI has issued forth a special year in celebration of St. Paul. This is in keeping with the traditional belief that he is celebrating his 2000th anniversary of his birth.

From vespers:

We are therefore gathered here not to reflect on a story from a past that has irrevocably gone. Paul speaks to us - today. That is why I proclaimed this special Pauline Year - to listen to him and to learn from him, as our teacher, ‘faith and truth’, in which are rooted the reasons for unity among the disciples of Christ.

We at TopCatholicSongs feel it is imperative to take this year seriously. Therefore we are going to be focusing upon the life and writings of St. Paul each month, until his feast year has run its course.

The list above is a focus on St. Paul himself--the man, the convert, knocked off his horse en route to Damascus, making a complete 180-degree turn in his life, and focusing intently on spreading the Gospel as far and as wide as He could. One of the great things about St. Paul is that he lived in a time where there was also a multi-cultural society, and he had the stamina and the fortitude to take a stand for Christ, which he understood to be the fullness of truth, no matter how hard his road would take him. And his writings today are seminal for the upbuilding of the New Testament church (as it is today)... linking his training in Greek philosophy with the prophetic words of the Old Testament.

And he is responsible for the most beautiful words ever throughout Scripture. Romans 8. 1 Corinthians 13. 2 Corinthians 5. Ephesians 6. Phillippians 3. 1 Timothy.... imminently quotable, inspiring, filled with great wisdom.

It is our intention to find songs that will quote many of these remarkable texts verbatim, in a musical format that is inviting, thoughtful and even fun... so that these texts may be committed to memory with ease. In the meantime, enjoy these songs from a mix of Catholic Contemporary artists, Christian Contemporary artists, and classical musicians, so to be able to understand more of the Great Witness that is Saint Paul.

Every year Franciscan University of Steubenville plays host to a series of youth/young adult conference weekends that provide great talks, inspiring worship, opportunities for adoration and confession, and great, great fun. This year, is no exception. The theme of the conferences this year is "Witness", and the accompanying verse is Acts 1:8.

From the Franciscan Youth Website:

The promise of God is that when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, we will receive power. What is that power? How do we access that power? How do we use that power? Pope Benedict VXI, himself, recently wrote, "Who is the Holy Spirit? It is a fact that for many Christians He is still the "great unknown." This summer we will seek not just to learn about the Holy Spirit, but to get to know Him as the living presence of God in our lives. And we will get to know His power – the power he wants us to have that we might be witnesses.

And what is it that we are to witness to? The undeniable reality that Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of our heavenly Father, took on flesh and became a man like us, except without sin. And that this Jesus, who through signs and wonders revealed His divinity to all whose hearts were open, committed the ultimate act of love and sacrifice by taking up the cross and dying on that cross in our place. Through His death, Jesus conquered our greatest enemy – death. And now, through faith in Jesus and the waters of Baptism, we have been brought into the family of God and have access to heaven through our union with Jesus. That is our faith! That is our hope! That is what needs to be proclaimed to our lost and dying world!

But a witness is more than someone who talks. A witness shows through his life that Jesus is Lord. The word "martyr" in Greek means witness. That is why there is blood on our logo – to remind us that being a true witness to Christ may cost us our very lives.

Here at TopCatholicSongs we wish to provide a great service to those who will be driving long distances, and for those who wish to be reminded of the themes throughout the year: the "Franciscan Steubenville Youth - Witness" playlist is a list of phenomenal songs from both Catholic and Contemporary Christian artists whose very songs reinforce the themes of this weekend.

• Witness by Bob Rice on Steubenville Theme Songs
• Evangelize by Nick Alexander on Eternal Life: The Party Album
• Go Make A Difference by Steve Angrisano on Make A Difference
• As It Is In Heaven by Matt Maher on Overflow
• Jesus Freak (Live) by tobyMac on Alive and Transported (Live)
• Ignatius Of Antioch (Like Wheat) by Fr. Kent O'Connor on Saints
• I Cannot Tell It All by Tom Booth on Find Us Ready
• It's Time by Last Day on We're Here
• From Nothing to Everything by Ben Walther on Where I Want to Be
• In the End by Full Armor on Against the Flow
• Mission's Flame by Matt Redman on Facedown
• Tears of the Saints by Leeland on Sound of Melodies
• Ain't No Party by Fr. Stan Fortuna on Sacro Song 3
• Dare You to Move by Switchfoot on The Beautiful Letdown
• Follow the Son by Valerie Von Fange on Steadfast Love
• Doing Something by Sean Clive on Amazed
• City On A Hill by Third Day on City On a Hill - Songs of Worship and Praise
• Here I Go Again by Casting Crowns on Casting Crowns
• (Ichthus) by Nick Alexander on I Wanna Be Debated
• Be God's by Danielle Rose on Mysteries
• You Will Reign by Gerard Faucheux on How Can You Think of Me? (studio Version)
• Open Wide The Doors by Martin Doman on Praying Twice, Vol II
• Inside by Chris Padgett on Golden
• Tell the World by Hillsong United on Look to You
• Share It With The World by Critical Mass on Completely
• God of Justice by Tim Hughes on We Must Go (Soul Survivor Live 2005)
• Let Your Kingdom Come by Sovereign Grace Music on Valley of Vision
• Micah 6:8 by Charlie Hall on Flying Into Daybreak
• Salt and Light by Jami Smith on Immerse
• Hero (Red Pill Mix) by Superchick on Regeneration
• Teaching Them to Read by Nick Alexander on Eternal Life: The Party Album
• Song of a Servant by Bob Filoramo on My Beacon of Hope
• Go Light Your World by Mel Kennedy w/ M-N-M Music on Hope-N-Light
• For Zion's Sake by John Michael Talbot on The Regathering
• Go Out And Tell by Bobby Fisher & Who Do You Say I Am on Go Out And Tell

Be energized in your faith, be motivated to be bold for Christ, and be inspired to give your all for Him.

Courtesy of Chris D'Alfanso, and filmed on the island of Malta.

1. Boom Bip by Point 5 Covenant from Listen. Learn.
2. Lift Up Your Eyes by Keith Roberts from This Time Around
3. Jesus Loves Me from Little Lamb Lullabies
4. Are You Amazed? by Bob Rice from Shining Like the Son (Best of 1996-2005)
5. Alleluia (Raise Your Voice) by News At Eleven from Here Till the End
6. Mary's Got My Back by Sarah Bauer from Lead Me Home
7. hope4thenew by manuel3 from Catholic Soul Revolution
8. Transubstantiation by Nick Alexander from A Time to Laugh
9. Communion by Gretchen Harris from Sign of Love
10. Take Up Your Cross by Tajci Tatiana from I Thirst - the Crucifixion Story

Nicholas Cole is the former owner of Catholic Tuneage. He has selected this Top 10 list from some of his favorite Catholic albums. These songs are really a cross section of his life over the past couple of years. Four years ago when he founded Catholic Tuneage, lullabies would have never made the list, but now that he has two children they have become quite important to his music selections. But, even with the kiddos, you still cannot shake Catholic rap from the #1 spot!

Nick Alexander here... I just discovered this song. I think it is a tremendous example of great, modern hymnwriting. Apparently, Matt Maher thinks so too... Full lyrics are available HERE.

Courtesy of Grapevine magazine.

Here's a list of Trinity songs from my favorite Catholic artists. Each of these songs speaks of God as "The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." Each of these songs help give us a greater focus on the importance of recognizing and contemplating the mystery of the Holy Trinity. These include three songs from John Michael Talbot (Greeting, In the Name of God, and Father Make Me Holy), two songs from Lynn Geyer (Glory Be and Trinity... the latter of which was a cover by Celeste Zepponi), ServantSong, Brendan Delumpa, Nancy Krebs, Sal Solo, and yours truly. There were a number of songs we would have like to have included, but they were not on iTunes. "Song of the Cross", which was heard at World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto, by Susan HooKong-Taylor, closes with a strong Trinitarian praise... but it's not on iTunes. Song of Unity, by Donna Cori Gibson... powerful stuff – but it's not on iTunes. Because We Believe, as covered by Jim Cowan on Behold the Lamb, an Integrity/Renewal release – but it's not on iTunes. Hopefully, these artists will get their music up shortly, for our benefit, and theirs. What are your favorite Trinitarian songs?

Annie Karto writes... This song came about as prayerful plea, asking the Holy Spirit to "sanctify" my life. We are the "work of His Hands," His dwelling place. How awesome to think about! A man named Jim Page heard the song, and made a beautiful video to accompany the song, posting it on You Tube.

Presented by GrapeVine, this video tells the story in pictures and music about the tragic fire that struck the Little Portion Hermitage, home to the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, founded by monk and well-known Catholic recording artist John Michael Talbot. This simple slide show portrays the hermitage before and after the fire, and provides information where you can go and donate to their building fund. There is also an audio podcast that goes along with this video - you can find it at www.gvonline.net/02FILES/breakingnews.htm. Please join in prayer as the Brothers and Sisters of Charity seek God’s will in the rebuilding of the Little Portion Hermitage.

Nick Alexander here... I cannot help but be stunned by the fire that consumed much of the property on John Michael Talbot's Hermitage, in Berryville, Arkansas. I have been a fan of John Michael Talbot's music, ministry and lifestyle for many years, and have been privileged to have visited the Hermitage on more than one occassion. Of all the places I have visited, this place ranks very high in the "most peaceful places on earth". To hear that much of what I had admired... the gardens, the chapel, the very unique design that had the offices and cafeteria... all destroyed by the fire... it is quite unsettling to me. Certainly, they will build again. I pray they do. In light of this, let's support John Michael Talbot by revisiting some of his best songs. I have compiled a list of my thirty favorites--too hard to break into ten--that comprise his career from his earliest days as a guitarist for Mason Proffit, up to his fiftieth album last year. Some of these may not be entirely familiar to you. It is my hope that you come to appreciate the breadth and vastness and truly unique giftedness of John Michael Talbot's music.

Note from site admin: The old iTunes iMixes were discontinued by Apple, so Nick's list was no longer visible or functional. In lieu of Nick's iMix here is Apple's comprehensive "iTunes Preview" of John Michael Talbot albums and singles:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/john-michael-talbot/id655293

George Lower writes: By now many of you have heard of the terrible fire that burned much of the common areas of the Little Portion Hermitage in Arkansas. Personally, I felt a deep sadness as the loss the community there has suffered. As a musician and a Christian John Michael Talbot has been a real inspiration for me. His spirituality and his music have provided me with much comfort as I have faced challenges on my own journey. At times like this I ask myself, "What I can do?" First of all, I know that I can pray for the community. Prayer is certainly an important part of dealing with adversity. I know that I can also give thanks because this fire did not result in any loss of life. Buildings can be rebuilt and possessions can be replaced. God did protect his children from physical harm in this instance. However, since I do not possess large financial resources I am trying to do something small to give back to a person and a community who has given much to me. I have selected some of my favorite John Michael Talbot songs and compiled them to an iMix available through iTunes. These songs are ones that have supported and sustained my spirit over the years. I hope that many will choose to listen and download this music in an effort to support John Michael and the Brothers and Sisters of Charity.

Note from site admin: The old iTunes iMixes were discontinued by Apple, so George's list was no longer visible or functional. In lieu of George's iMix here is Apple's comprehensive "iTunes Preview" of John Michael Talbot albums and singles:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/john-michael-talbot/id655293