The Redemptorists of Oceania are proud to share a heartwarming Christmas message through their original song and video Season of Peace. This unique production offers a glimpse of Christmas in Bourke, a small town in the Australian outback. Bourke is a place where white Australians live alongside a large Aboriginal community, now joined by Timorese workers at the local abattoir and Indian families contributing to the regional economy.
The Season of Peace was composed by Fr Oche Matutina, CSsR, who also played bass and guitar for the recording. Br Junior Phankavee, CSsR, brings a soulful touch on piano, while Trung T. Tran adds a melodic layer on harmonica. The stunning vocals of Niamh O’Neill elevate the song to something truly special. O’Neill’s voice delivers both warmth and power, capturing the essence of Christmas joy and reflection. It was produced by Matthew Howard at Common Home TV studios.
Reflecting on the project, Fr. Oche Matutina shared, “This video is fundamentally Redemptorist and an extension of the work of our founder, Alphonsus Liguori, whose Christmas carol Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle remains a central part of celebrations in Italy today. The song was written in the popular culture of the local population, meeting people where they are. In Bourke, country music is king, and we are pleased to present music and visuals that embrace that style.”
This video is fundamentally Redemptorist and an extension of the work of our founder, Alphonsus Liguori, whose Christmas carol Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle remains a central part of celebrations in Italy today. The song was written in the popular culture of the local population, meeting people where they are. In Bourke, country music is king, and we are pleased to present music and visuals that embrace that style.
The video and song beautifully highlight the harmonious blending of cultures, grounded in a shared experience of Christmas, peace, and goodwill. In an area marginalised by distance, the Redemptorists are honoured to show the world the Australian Christmas spirit, alive and well in the outback.
The Season of Peace is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and over 150 other music platforms worldwide. The video is available also being streamed on Common Home TV, and Facebook.
Matthew Howard
Redemptorist Oceania
