It must be something in my voice or on my face. People frequently ask me if I am Irish. I always say that I wish I were.
I am enamored with things Irish, which might explain some of my delight in a group of women Irish singers, Celtic Woman.
Celtic Woman was formed 10 years ago as a “one time” event. This year they celebrate their 10th anniversary.
The group has evolved over the years. My favorite combination is Alex Sharpe, Chloe Agnew, Lisa Kelly and Lynn Hilary, with fiddler Mairead Nesbitt, as pictured below.
My favorite album is “Songs of the Heart,” as pictured above.
This has more than a little to do with the fact that …
(1) I was in Dublin at Powerscourt House and Gardens in 2009 on purpose: to attend the filming of this album, with the pastor of one of the girls,
(2) when this combination was on stage,
(3) when red, white and blue fireworks went off during the singing of “O, America,”
(4) when I was sitting in the front row,
and (5) consequently, appear on the video four times.
Lisa Kelly has been and continues to be my favorite of my favorites
One of our parish staff asked me, “What would you like for your retirement?”
I answered, “I’d like to have Lisa Kelly come to sing at my final Mass at St. Andrew.”
He immediately laughed and responded, “Is there ‘anything else’ that you would like?’
With Open Doors 
Mt. 21:22
I had to look up Matthew 21:22: “Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.” Please, O God, pretty please!