Florida Catholic | Matt Maher to perform at Festival of Faith

Matt Maher to perform at Festival of Faith

The popular Catholic singer and songwriter will appear at a free concert May 10.

JENNIFER SANDS | SPECIAL TO THE FLORIDA CATHOLIC

Published: 04.11.08

Recording artist Matt Maher, at left, entertains at Faithfest 2008 on the campus of St.Thomas University in Miami earlier this year.
DANIEL SOÑÉ | FC FILE

Fast Facts

What: Matt Maher concert during the Festival of Faith

When: Saturday, May 10, 2 p.m.

Where: Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse, 9899 International Drive, Orlando.

Cost: Concert is free, but a donation of canned food or peanut butter for the needy is suggested.

Parking: $6 daily rate

For more information or to reserve a seat, visit: www.festivaloffaith.org

ORLANDO | Catholic recording artist Matt Maher will be part of the featured entertainment during the free diocesan celebration, the Festival of Faith. That’s just one month after the release of his new CD, “Empty & Beautiful.”

“He has a beautiful message to share,” said Naomi Gonzalez, education coordinator for the diocesan Mission Office, who came across his music in search of nontraditional prayer. “His songs are like whispers of faith that touch on Catholic social teachings.”

With the release of the latest CD, his fourth, Matt Maher is one of the most popular Catholic singer/songwriters in the country. His music appeals primarily to youths and young adults, but people of all ages have become fans of his inspiring and contemporary music.

His music delivers the Gospel message and relates to today’s youths in a compelling way.

On his Web site, Maher describes the heart behind his new CD.

“In life, we end up having to empty ourselves to achieve that which is beautiful. If you don’t, you never really get made beautiful. It’s a weird dichotomy, especially in the world we live in because there’s so much focus on beauty,” he writes. “The whole idea of having to empty one’s self to achieve beauty is completely countercultural, but that’s what happens — marriage, service of the poor, sharing the beauty of the Gospel. That’s what Christ calls us to do, and I hope these songs will help inspire people to follow Jesus in that way.”

The concert will take place Saturday, May 10, 2 p.m., at the Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse. Tickets are not required. However, advance registration is encouraged to avoid long lines during the day of the concert.

“I hope as many youths and young adults as possible will take advantage of this incredible opportunity to hear this wonderful and talented musician free of charge during the Festival of Faith,” said Carol Brinati, secretary of evangelization for the Diocese of Orlando.

Sands is an intern in the Orlando diocese communications office.

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Matt Maher to perform at Festival of Faith

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