Hallelujah! Priest's Amazing Surprise Moves Bride to Tears

It's not every day that a wedding ceremony receives a standing ovation!

Father Ray Kelly stunned newlyweds Chris and Leah O'Kane when he broke out into song during their nuptials in Oldcastle, County Meath, Ireland. His sensational, tear-jerking rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" has taken the Internet by storm - as of press time, it's been watched over 2.8 million times since being uploaded on April 7th:

The tune in question is one of the most covered songs of all time - everyone from Bono to Susan Boyle has put their personal stamp on it - but Kelly customized the lyrics to fit the sacred occasion. Check out more popular wedding songs here ►

Father Kelly tells BBC News that locals know about his musical talents, but this unsuspecting bride and groom were from different parishes. "We had the rehearsal on Thursday evening and at the end I said, 'sure maybe I'll sing an aul song for you myself' - Leah grinned and said 'OK sure' but I don't think she was taking it too seriously," he says.

The moonlighting rock star is currently working on his third album, the proceeds of which will go towards charity. So would he give up priesthood to perform full-time? "I enjoy singing but I love what I'm doing as a priest. The way I look at it is, it's a gift one has, and if you have a gift you use it."

Father Kelly's not the only one making worldwide headlines for his holy gifts - Sister Cristina Scuccia blew judges away on Italy's The Voice.

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By: Stefania Sainato