All articles tagged with #gospel
Richard Smallwood, a renowned gospel composer and singer known for blending classical and gospel music, died at age 77 from kidney failure complications. He led the Richard Smallwood Singers and influenced many artists with his hits.
Richard Smallwood, a renowned Grammy-nominated gospel singer, pianist, and songwriter known for hits like 'Total Praise,' has died at age 77 due to complications from kidney failure. His influential career included multiple awards and covers by artists like Whitney Houston and Destiny’s Child.
Pope Leo XIV urged Christian families to cherish Gospel values and keep the 'flame of love' alive amidst modern challenges, emphasizing prayer, sacraments, and sincere dialogue to foster hope and peace, especially for those suffering from conflict.
Pope Francis, during his General Audience, emphasized the importance of concise preaching, advising that homilies should be no longer than 10 minutes to maintain focus and clarity. He highlighted the dual elements of Christian preaching: the Gospel's content and the Holy Spirit's guidance. The Pope urged preachers to rely on the Holy Spirit, focus on the kerygma, and avoid self-promotion, ensuring that the message of Christ is effectively communicated.
During his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Francis urged the faithful to draw closer to Christ by shedding unnecessary baggage and embracing a sober lifestyle. He emphasized the importance of community, sharing resources, and maintaining sobriety in thoughts and actions to fully experience God's joy and love. The Pope also called for prayers for maritime workers and peace in conflict regions.
Mandisa, a Grammy-winning gospel artist and former "American Idol" contestant, has passed away at the age of 47. Known for her powerful voice and uplifting spirit, she released several albums and won a Grammy for best contemporary Christian music album in 2014. Mandisa also openly shared her struggles with mental health, documenting them in her 2022 memoir, with the hope of helping others facing similar challenges.
Justin Timberlake debuted a gospel-funk hybrid track "Sanctified" with rapper Tobe Nwigwe on Saturday Night Live, in support of his upcoming album "Everything I Thought I Was." He also performed another song, "Selfish," and discussed the emotional vulnerability expressed in the lyrics.
Tulsa megachurch pastor and gospel recording artist, Carlton Pearson, passed away at the age of 70 after battling cancer. Pearson founded the Higher Dimension Megachurch in the 1980s, where thousands gathered to worship. Known for his powerful preaching and music, he touched the lives of many and was regarded as a father figure by those who knew him. Pearson's journey took a turn when he embraced the Gospel of inclusion, leading to the loss of everything but finding support from the All Souls Unitarian Church. His impact as a historian and mentor in the gospel and church community will be remembered.
Benedictine nun Mother Maria Ignazia Angelini offers a reflection on the Gospel prior to evening Mass during the retreat for participants in the upcoming General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. The reflection focuses on the parable of the two sons and emphasizes the need for conversion and readiness to serve in the beloved vineyard of the Lord. It highlights the authority of meekness and the importance of being attuned to Jesus' authority through the Eucharist. The reflection also acknowledges the role of sinners and tax collectors in teaching us about recognizing our mistakes and being open to their expectations and questions in the synodal process.
The Rolling Stones collaborate with Stevie Wonder and Lady Gaga on their upcoming album, Hackney Diamonds, with the release of the gospel-inspired single "Sweet Sounds of Heaven." Wonder plays piano, Fender Rhodes, and Moog bass, while Gaga joins Mick Jagger on vocals. The song pays tribute to the late Charlie Watts and features a free-flowing soul journey. The album also includes appearances by Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Bill Wyman, reuniting the Some Girls lineup.
On the feast day of St. Matthew, little is known about his life, despite his crucial role as the author of one of the four Gospels. Matthew, a tax collector, gave up his materialistic life to follow Jesus. While his subsequent career is unclear, ancient sources suggest he evangelized in Asia for at least 15 years. St. Matthew's body is believed to be in the crypt beneath the cathedral of Salerno, Italy, where a bronze statue of him by Michelangelo Naccherino sits above the altar. Legend has it that St. Matthew's intercession protected the city of Salerno from a pirate attack in 1544. Eastern Catholics and Orthodox churches celebrate St. Matthew on Nov. 16.
Parchman Farm, also known as the Mississippi State Penitentiary, has a remarkable musical history. Singing has been a common practice among inmates, with notable recordings made by musicians like Bukka White and civil rights activists known as Freedom Riders. Producer Ian Brennan recently recorded a Sunday gospel service at Parchman Farm, giving incarcerated individuals the opportunity to be heard. The resulting album, "Some Mississippi Sunday Morning," showcases the raw and powerful music created by these inmates, highlighting their resilience and the need for compassion within the prison system.
Pope Francis celebrated Mass on the feast of Sts Peter and Paul, blessing the pallia for new Metropolitan Archbishops. In his homily, he emphasized the importance of following Jesus and proclaiming the Gospel. Reflecting on the lives of Peter and Paul, the Pope urged believers to grow as disciples by constantly seeking the Lord and preaching the Word. He encouraged the Church to be outgoing, bringing Jesus to places of poverty and marginalization. The Pope also highlighted the significance of the Pallium as a sign of communion with the Church of Rome and greeted the Delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Pope Francis has urged Christians not to be afraid of suffering criticism, economic loss, and persecution for being faithful to what the Church teaches. He underlined how Jesus’ words “do not be afraid” still apply today. The pope explained how Jesus told his disciples not to be afraid shortly after telling them about the persecutions that they would have to undergo for the Gospel, something, he noted, that still applies today. The only true fear one should have is of throwing one’s life away chasing things that do not ultimately matter.
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is featuring a series of free evening concerts celebrating the Ozarks region and diverse spiritual traditions across the U.S. from June 29 to July 4 and July 6 to 9. The concerts will include a variety of genres, from country rock to bluegrass and gospel music, and will be followed by community square dancing. Some concerts will also include short film screenings, and all will have ASL interpretation and live captioning.