Well-known Irish singer, Dana, to sing in Ida Grove

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
September 22, 2005

IDA GROVE - A renowned Irish singer who graced the stage at World Youth Day and sang in the presence of the late Pope John Paul II on several occasions will present a concert in the Diocese of Sioux City next month.

The United Hearts of Ida County Cluster consisting of Sacred Heart Church in Ida Grove and Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Holstein will host Dana in concert at 7 p.m. on Oct. 5. The show will be held at the Early Childhood Center Auditorium, 301 Moorhead St. in Ida Grove.

"She has a very sweet and lovely Irish voice," said Father David Hemann, pastor at the parishes in Ida Grove and Holstein. "She also carries a message."

He pointed out that Dana while she will primarily present songs, she presents a good spoken message as well. Dana is known for a strong message about family life and he anticipates that she will speak about the Eucharist.

"We see this as a way to wrap up the Year of the Eucharist," said Father Hemann. "She also gives a good pro-life message."

Among the many highlights of Dana's career was composing and signing the World Youth Day theme song, Totus Totus, in the New Orleans Superdome during the Holy Father's 1987 visit and writing and singing the World Youth Day theme song, We are One Body, for the pope's 1993 World Youth Day Visit to Denver.

Some people may be familiar with Dana through her work with EWTN.

In 2004 Dana was presented with the prestigious Prize of San Benedetto, which is the highest pro-life honor in the world. That same year she received the International Life Award in London.

Dana's brother, Jerry Brown, will accompany Dana on keyboard. The singer, together with her husband, Damien, have four children.

"Music is the language of the people," said Father Hemann. "Whenever we get together and sing, our hearts come together and our heads come together. The Lord fills that space."

He referred to the famous quote of St. Augustine who said that, "Whoever sings, prays twice."

"It will be a prayerful and musical night with a solid message," said Father Hemann, who anticipated that the concert would go from 7 to 9 p.m.

The concert is open to anyone who would like to attend.

Tickets are $10. Ticket locations are Sacred Heart Church in Ida Grove, OLGC in Holstein, Trinity Heights Gift Shop at 33rd and Floyd Blvd. in Sioux City and Flowers by Fischer in Sioux City. Tickets may be ordered in advance by phone at (712) 364-2455.

People may also send checks (made out to Sacred Heart Parish) to Father David Hemann, PO Box 244, Ida Grove, IA 51445 and then the tickets could be held at the door on the night of the concert. If people want the tickets mailed to their home, they are to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Tapes and CDs will be sold at the concert.

Proceeds of the concert will help the Sacred Heart purchase a new furnace for the religious education center.