PERSONALLY SPEAKING
A program from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
The edition broadcast beginning September 17
includes a segment with Anthony Kearns.
I was able to see Personally Speaking this afternoon, and it was an
excellent program. Anthony was interesting, funny, well-spoken, and
very charming. He spoke about the gift from God, of his voice. Monsignor
asked him if he had any idea of why God had chosen him to give such a
gift to, and Anthony said he had no idea...."it was a lottery. And I don't
take it for granted." He also spoke about the Music Fund, and how his
fans just recently donated "four and a half thousand dollars" to the fund.
Anthony also mentioned Cilla Horst by name. Monsignor asked him
about his Catholic education. He said "the nuns were fantastic teachers",
and also said that "thank God corporal punishment was over" when he
went to school.
They played a clip from the Belfast video, of part of "Phil the Fluther",
including Anthony's beautiful high note, and part of "Will You Go, Lassie"
where all three men dance. It was a nice touch. The most touching part
of the interview was when Anthony and Monsignor spoke of how many
people had listened to Anthony's voice when they were going into
surgery, or as they lay dying, and how it had eased their suffering.
Anthony said that if someone came to a concert, and he could help
them ease their pain, or forget their worries for a couple of hours, he
felt good. And Monsignor said Anthony could be said to be leading a
healing life. It was a very moving few moments.
If you get a chance to see this show, it is well worth it. Lou Holtz is
also very funny. He said he and his wife have a "love-hate" relationship.
He loves her, and she hates him! And Nick Clooney spoke eloquently
about his and George's travels to Africa, to aid public awareness of the
genocide problem in Darfur.
Berta Calechman
