FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTSJanuary 27, 2016 Elizabeth O’Hara

Communications Director915-872-8555eohara@elpasodiocese.org

Press Release

Two Nations, One Faith— Official U.S. Papal Mass Telecast Event Announces Global and Local Musicians as Celebration Performers Diocese of El Paso to Host Multi-Platinum Country Music Artist Collin Raye, World Youth Day Guitarist Tony Melendez and Number of Cultural Performances to Precede Live Broadcast

EL PASO, TEXAS (January 27, 2016) -- The Two Nations, One Faith Papal Telecast Event today announced that multi-platinum Country Music artist and Catholic convert Collin Raye will perform at the Sun Bowl along with fellow award-winning guitarist and World Youth Day performer Tony Melendez, as a prelude to the official U.S. Papal Mass Telecast.

"Mr. Raye, author of "A Voice Undefeated" and Country Music's 10 times male vocalist of the year nominee will perform with rising star, Andrea Thomas. Collin became an international Country Music Artist by charting 16 #1 and 25 top ten hits with ballads and songs that are loved around the world such as "Love, Me", "In this Life" and "Little Rock".

Mr. Melendez, a well-known World Youth Day disabled guitarist who has performed for Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict will also join the program. These performances, which will include reflections and interaction with those gathered at the Sun Bowl promises to offer the faithfully gathered an amazing afternoon of live sacred music preceding the Pope’s broadcast from Juarez.

“We want to demonstrate to The Holy Father that our two nations, and our two sister cities, embody ‘Two Nations, One Faith,’” said Bishop Mark Seitz, leader of the Catholic Diocese of El Paso. “Pope Francis’ visit to this region will be a historic moment for these communities, and give a voice to the often voiceless, especially children and families who are at the center of the critical issues facing the border. We are thrilled to celebrate this moment with all El Pasoans

and our visitors, and broadcast to the world how our communities are united through our faith”

“I am so blessed to be able to donate my time and talent to this beautiful event.” Mr. Raye said of his performance in El Paso, “The Pope’s visit to the border will be unforgettable Being joined in song and witnessing the mass together with this community will be an experience no one should miss.”

In addition to Mr. Raye and Mr. Melendez, the program will represent the diversity and culture of these communities is of utmost importance. The Tigua Indian Nation Social Dancers will help open the musical program by performing a sacred ceremonial prayer dance, and the El Paso Diocesan Choir, composed of 120 musicians and singers, will reflect the bicultural reality of the borderland and invite the crowd into sacred song. El Paso-based youth choir Elohim, and local parish-based Mariachi and Matachines dance groups will also showcase the cultural heritage of the border region.

More program announcements are expected today and this week.

Sun Bowl Stadium Stage, Wednesday February 17, 2016Final performance order to be announced, doors and performances begin at 12:00PM MTCollin Raye & Andrea ThomasTony MelendezEl Paso Diocesan ChoirTigua Indian Nation Social Dancers

Throughout the program the Pope’s journey through Juarez will be live-streamed on the Sun Bowl Stadium Jumbotron. On-stage program will conclude prior to the telecast of the papal Mass. The Two Nations, One Faith Event will release renderings of the Sun Bowl stage in the coming weeks.

For Tickets, Program Updates or to Sponsor the event please visit twonationsonefaith.com.

HELPFUL LINKS

Diocese of El Pasowww.facebook.com/DioceseOfElPaso/?fref=ts

Official TWO NATIONS, ONE FAITH Hashtag#2nations1faith / #PopeonBorder

Collin Rayehttp://collinraye.com / @collinraye

Andrea Thomashttp://andreathomasmusic.com

Tony Melendez

http://www.tonymelendez.com/