(Reprinted from The Christian Post)
SonLight Music Ministry had just finished what sounded like a beautiful rendition of “Be Thou My Vision” when Father Ray Kelly again took the mic at the wedding of Chris and Leah O’Kane. But instead of closing the ceremony as planned, the priest unleashed a big surprise for the couple that’s destined for the pantheon of wedding viral videos.
It’s not a joke or a slip-up, but a performance of epic proportions. A backing track mysteriously begins and Father Kelly launches into a rewritten version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” customized just for the new married couple. And this priest has pipes, belting out the melody with ease and even raising the key a whole step.
By the end, the stunned bride is left in tears while members of the audience offer a standing ovation. Father Kelly’s sweet and skillful gesture certainly deserved it.
