May 2, 2025

Award winning singer/songwriter Tony Melendez to perform May 6-7 at St. Michael’s Cathedral

REGIONAL
Staff report

(IObserve photo)

SPRINGFIELD – St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield welcomes award-winning singer/songwriter Tony Melendez for back to back musical performances, Tuesday, May 6 in English and Wednesday, May 7, in Spanish, at 7 p.m. each night. Holy Hours will take place both evenings.

Originally from Nicaragua, Melendez was born without arms and a clubbed foot. His family immigrated to the United States so he could have corrective surgery. He learned to do almost everything with his feet and at the age of 16 he taught himself to play guitar.

Melendez gained national attention when he performed for then Pope John Paul II in Los Angeles in 1987. He has shared his incredible story of resilience and triumph in the face of adversity, and his deep faith in Christ, across country through concerts, conferences, retreats and school presentations. Melendez has recorded several albums. He and his wife reside in Branson, Mo. and have two adult children.

“I am hoping people will see how we can live in God through adversity, and also grow closer to Jesus through Tony’s music and prayer,” said Father Gary Dailey, the rector of St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield.

“As St. John Paul II said to Tony in September of 1987 at a youth event in Los Angeles, ‘My wish for you, is to continue giving hope to all the people.’ Perfect message for Jubilee Year of Hope,” Father Dailey added.

Tony Melendez Ministries is a non-profit dedicated to bringing compassion and hope through music and personal triumph. It was commissioned in 1987 by a kiss from the now St. John Paul II.

The concert is a Jubilee Year event. For more information, go to diospringfield.org