By Michael M. Canaris
A video of New York’s Father David Rider, 29, and Milwaukee’s Father John Gibson, 28, dueling in a friendly dancing competition went viral recently, reminding many of the surprise runaway popularity of Sister Cristina Scuccia’s performance on the Italian version of “The Voice,” and subsequent record contract.
Nearly 2 million people have viewed the five minute YouTube video, filmed at a major fundraising event for the Pontifical North American College. The audience in the clip is notably dotted with the magenta and scarlet zuchettos of bishops and cardinals, as the two take turns tap- and Irish folk-dancing to cheers.
Father Rider was once a professional dancer, having been part of an international touring company of the Broadway show “42nd Street.”
The college’s rector, Msgr. James Checchio, pointed out that during the dinner, the fathers did more than dance, as the seminarians and students serve the guests to thank them for their attendance, contributions and support.
He went on to explain to me: “They are good, generous men, who resonate Christ in all they do. They are now both here as priests finishing their license degrees.”
“They consider [dancing] using their God given talents for the good of others,” said Msgr. Checchio, who is a priest of the Diocese of Camden and held several positions in South Jersey before his assignment to North American College.
“Father Gibson is also on our soccer team, which has won the Clericus Cup [held between Roman seminaries and Catholic universities] twice during his time on the team, and they are both great students too, who take their studies seriously,” Msgr. Checchio said. “They are part of a great group of young men being raised up in our church which bodes well for our future; we’re blessed.”
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