Lent At Ephesus

At once otherworldly and deeply emotional, the a cappella singing of the nuns of the Priory of Our Lady of Ephesus—the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles—has earned critical acclaim far beyond the confines of sacred music. Lent at Ephesus follows two years after the release of the sisters’ much-praised Advent at Ephesus. It features a similar offering of traditional chants, modern hymns, and original compositions. The exquisite vocal harmonies heard in these recordings capture a sense of spiritual purity, yearning, and fulfillment that transcends the boundaries of language. Unified by the theme of Christ’s Passion, the album opens with the stately “Jesus, My Love” and leads listeners through the delicate vocal counterpoint of “Hosanna to the Son of David,” the ethereal simplicity of “Improperia,” and the soaring melodic lines of “O Sacred Head Surrounded.” The nuns perform three self-composed songs in English, with “My Mercy” standing out for its subtle harmonies and radiant message of hope. As both a work of beauty and an aid to contemplation, Lent at Ephesus resonates long after its last note has faded.