October 7, 2019

International Catholic musician Tony Melendez performs at Chicopee parish

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Nick Morganelli

 

CHICOPEE – On Saturday evening, Oct. 5, many parishioners and guests gathered at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Chicopee for a bilingual English-Spanish concert by international musical artist Tony Melendez.

The most unique aspect of his concerts is his guitar playing. Born in Nicaragua with no arms, due to a deformity from the thalidomide that his mother took while pregnant with him, Melendez has, since the age of 7, played guitar with his feet. His music and words of encouragement are both inspiring and encouraging to the audience.

Melendz has visited the western Massachusetts area to perform more than a dozen times, but for more than three decades, he has inspired people around the world. 

As a high schooler, he was interested in becoming a priest, but his musical talent brought him to one of the highlights in his ministry: performing for St. Pope John Paul II in 1987. He recalled receiving a kiss from the pope and then traveling around the world to perform at 11 World Youth Days, numerous conferences, retreats, and more to share the Gospel message of Christ. 

Melendez mentioned the words that St. John Paul II told the youth: “Use what you have… to evangelize,” and he continues this message at his concerts when he speaks to the audience, reminding them that there is nothing they cannot do and that God’s grace and blessing is with them and will help them.

On mission trips, and for pro-life events, he tells the youth, “I need help. I need you to be my hands,” and he talks about how they respond so positively. 

His brother, Jose, is his hands in many ways, acting as chauffeur, director in production, sound and lighting, administrator, and personal care attendant. 

“The message isn’t from us. It comes from a greater source and our church has life,” said Jose Melendez about what he hopes those in attendance come to understand. He also shared his thoughts on his brother’s performances saying, “Tony reaches people and they see his joy and who he is and I pray they see how he took his disability and made it everything he could for God.”

When Tony Melendez was asked what his hope is for those who hear his music, he said, “I hope that they feel Christ, that they experience him.” 

The local audience was touched deeply by the prayerful evening of praise and worship music, including “Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord,” by Michael W. Smith; “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury; and a video with an original song by Melendez about Pope St. John Paul II, among other selections. Some in attendance were even moved to tears.

Melendez summed it up by humbly saying, “It’s pretty exciting how God has taken this ministry to a level that I’ve never even imagined.” 

More about Melendez’ music and performance schedule can be found at TonyMelendez.com.

A video version of this story will be featured on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel,” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22NEWS and in the Berkshires Sunday mornings at 5:30 on Albany’s Fox 23, WXXA.