Ekklesia Sisters have taken Malta over by a storm, when it was announced that they have been shortlisted for the Maltese Eurovision national final! The singing nuns have now made it to the top 20 as well, and will thus sing their song “Love And Let Go” (written by Philip Vella) as number 20 in the semi final of Malta Eurovision Song Contest.

We had the honour to speak to Ekklesia Sisters about their participation in Malta Eurovision Song Contest, about their everyday routine, which is definitely unusual for other Eurovision performers, as well as their views on the national selection and the Eurovision Song Contest. Check out everything they told us in the following interview:

• Hello sisters! First of all congratulations for making it to the top 20! How do you feel?

We all feel somewhat overwhelmed and very excited. So are the children in our care very excited for us.

• How did you decide to enter the Contest this year?

While singing on a television program, namely Xarabank, Peppi Azzopardi approached us with the suggestion to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest.  We considered it as a joke and took it lightly, however we are now in the semi finals.

• How did you get in contact with the composer of your song?

Philip Vella came over to visit one of our children’s homes, after meeting both the community of nuns and the children, we related most of our experiences in caring for children and there the song was born. 

• Can you tell us a little bit about your song?

The title of our song, “Love and let go” highlights many moments we have experienced with the children throughout the years. We love the children in our care unconditionally and although it is always hard when they are fully prepared to step back into their normal social lives “we bless them and let them go”.

• How are you preparing yourself for the national final?

During our daily prayer time we offer petitions for all Malta Eurovision Song Contest participants, that this may be a happy and successful experience for all. We also pray that our participation may be of witness to others and our positive message of loving unconditionally will be delivered throughout our islands. During our little free time we also rehearse together.

• Have you already had some thought about how your performance will be on stage?

Up to now we only consider ourselves as six nuns trying to deliver a positive message on a massive stage…. We trust the good Lord will be there with us to guide us.

• Who do you think is your biggest competition to win this national final?

Each and every song on the semi final list are both inspiring and worth hearing. It is always very hard to choose between such a beautiful variety of songs.

• Malta is hosting Junior Eurovision only a week before the national final. Are you planning to attend this event?

We are taking care of children 24/7 and it is always hard to find time to be absent from their presence, so what we think is best is to go together with the children in our care.

• What does Eurovision mean to you?

In past years we always gathered as a community and watched the show on television. This year we will have the privilege of our various communities and friends watching us from home. 

• Have you got an all time favourite Eurovision song?

It is difficult to say as we are a group of six nuns but I am almost sure that we all love the song ‘Love Shine a light’, by Katrina and The Waves, Eurovision 1997. We often sing this song in our choir.

• Do you have a message for all the readers of escbubble?

Our message is a simple one but which carries a profound meaning and significance for those who wish to delve into it deeply – “Love and let go!”

• Thank you so much for taking your time out for this interview, and we wish you the best of luck in the Maltese national selection!

Give a listen to “Love And Let Go” by the Ekklesia Sisters: