This week, Songs of Praise trades its usual hymn-heavy format for something a bit more…folky. Veteran singer and actress Barbara Dickson sits down with Pam Rhodes in Edinburgh to discuss her spiritual journey, a path less traveled from Presbyterian baptism to Catholic confirmation. While the stained-glass windows might be swapped for a dimly lit folk bar (a haunt from Dickson’s early career), the core themes of faith and reflection remain.
Dickson’s story is one of seeking and finding, a journey that began amidst the strumming guitars and swirling smoke of the Edinburgh folk scene in the 1960s. She discusses the pull she felt towards Catholicism, a faith that resonated with her on a deeper level, eventually leading her to be confirmed, a moment she describes as “coming home.” It’s a deeply personal account, a testament to the enduring power of belief, even for those who find their spiritual home outside of their childhood traditions.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Songs of Praise without a few musical interludes. Dickson treats viewers to a performance, as well as renditions of hymns that have held significance throughout her life. It’s a blend of the personal and the universal, the specific story of one woman’s faith interwoven with the shared melodies of religious tradition. The episode also features St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, adding a touch of grandeur to the proceedings. For fans of Dickson’s music, this is a chance to see a different side of the artist. For regular viewers of Songs of Praise, it’s a reminder that faith takes many forms, often found in the most unexpected places.
Songs of Praise airs Sunday, January 26 at 1:15 pm on BBC One.