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Benedictines’ Advent album opens the world to Heaven!

ATLANTA, CA (December 12, 2012) – ADVENT AT EPHESUS, the Advent album from the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, is No. 1 on Billboard magazine’s Traditional Classical Music Chart for the third straight week, rising above a group of Classical albums that includes Andrea Bocelli, Placido Domingo, Fifty Shades of Grey Classical, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s Once Upon a Christmas, and the London Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas Classics.

“A No. 1 ranking for the third straight week in a row is a resounding response from consumers who are desirous of the sacred and divine. Amid this second week of Advent, there is still much more of this beautiful sacred season ahead. We hope the music and peaceful reflections found in ADVENT AT EPHESUS will continue to be loved by and shared with as many as possible!” said Monica Fitzgibbons, co-founder of De Montfort Music.

Captivating diverse audiences, ADVENT AT EPHESUS also captured an impressive top 200 ranking in Billboard’s mainstream chart.

“We are committed to bringing the very best of the true and the beautiful to art, and we are humbled that so many have embraced ADVENT AT EPHESUS, this rare gem, given to the world by the Benedictines of Mary,” said Fitzgibbons.

Since its Nov. 20 worldwide debut from De Montfort Music and Decca Records, ADVENT AT EPHESUS has blessed the world with the sacred and sublime music of a contemplative religious order tucked away on Missouri’s rural countryside. Hidden in prayer and sacrifice, their music now is available worldwide. In addition to the CD, the album is available as a digital download for all devices at a variety of online retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and the iTunes Store.

The breathtaking release which has taken the world by surprise also ranks No. 9 on the Contemporary Christian chart, No. 10 on the Gospel chart, and No. 20 on the Internet Album chart.

“We want to again express our sincere gratitude to everyone who is supporting the album, the sisters and De Montfort Music. We hope everyone will purchase this incredible music, which goes to help the sisters in their many needs as a growing contemplative community,” said Fitzgibbons.

EWTN airing 30-minute special

EWTN – the Eternal Word Television Network – is airing a 30-minute special on the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, and the making of ADVENT AT EPHESUS, which is available now worldwide from De Montfort Music and Decca Records.

Broadcasts are set for 6 p.m. ET on Dec. 12, and 9 a.m. ET on Dec. 15.

The program takes viewers inside the home of these contemplative sisters for a look at their simple life and the music that fills their every day at the Priory of Our Lady of Ephesus, tucked away in the rolling farmland of northwest Missouri. “Our way of life here is truly one of great peace and tranquility,” said Mother Cecilia, the Prioress of the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles. “Since not everybody can come here – and since we’re not going out into the world – ADVENT AT EPHESUS is a way that we can just give a little taste of our life and let people experience it and be part of it.”

Grammy® and Oscar® winning producer Glenn Rosenstein travelled to the priory and recorded all of ADVENT AT EPHESUS in only three days. Rosenstein, who has worked with a host of international stars and whose projects have generated sales well in excess of 250 million, calls this one of his 10 all-time-favorite recordings.

About the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles

Founded in 1995, the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, are a young, monastic order of religious sisters. United with Our Lady at the foot of the Cross; the sisters seek, above all else, a life of union with God in prayer as guided by the Rule of St. Benedict. They pray and sacrifice especially for the sanctification of priests. The Sisters sing together eight times a day as they chant the Divine Office in Latin. Along with the making of priestly vestments and sacred linens, the Benedictines of Mary also take care of gardens, an orchard and a small farm.

About De Montfort Music

De Montfort Music is a division of AimHigherMedia – both founded by music-industry veterans Kevin and Monica Fitzgibbons. Its special mission is to sign, develop, produce and bring to market the very best in Sacred Music. The label is an ambassador to the world of the true and the beautiful. The Benedictines of Mary are signed to De Montfort Music, which is distributed worldwide through Decca/Universal.

About Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group is the world’s leading music ...