The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles are a group of Benedictine nuns who sing as a part of their daily worship rituals. They have issued several acclaimed albums; taking over distribution rights, sales of the Benedictines of Mary albums are used to support their ministry and community. Tenebrae at Ephesus and The Holy Trinity at Ephesus were released in 2022.
The Priory of Our Lady of Ephesus was established in 1995 as a Roman Catholic religious order in Gower, Missouri, and its nuns -- The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles -- sing about five hours a day as part of their daily prayers along with their other responsibilities. They made their first recording -- Christmas at Ephesus -- in 2008. Advent at Ephesus, the first Benedictines of Mary album released by the Decca label, was issued in 2012, and the following year, they issued Angels and Saints at Ephesus. Both of these efforts garnered acclaim, and each hit the number one slot on the classical traditional Billboard chart. In 2013, the Benedictines of Mary were named the Classical Traditional Artists of the Year by Billboard. Following several releases through Decca and De Montfort Music, the Benedictines of Mary took over the distribution of their albums with 2016's Adoration at Ephesus. In 2018, Our Lady of Ephesus was raised to abbey status, with the new Abbey Church consecrated that year. In 2022, the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles issued the albums Tenebrae at Ephesus and The Holy Trinity at Ephesus. Proceeds from sales are used for building projects, ministry, and the community of the Abbey of Our Lady of Ephesus. ~ Keith Finke & Matt Collar, Rovi
