Matt Maher to Perform During Pope's Visit to New York, on Saturday, April 19, 2008

Matt Maher to Perform During Pope's Visit to New York, on Saturday, April 19, 2008

Maher also to Perform during World Youth Day 2008, in Sydney, Australia; an Event that Will Mark Pope Benedict XVI's First Visit to Australia

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Singer/Songwriter/Worship Leader Matt Maher, who just released his Essential Records debut album, Empty & Beautiful (4/8/08), will perform when Pope Benedict XVI visits New York, on April 19. Maher, who is Catholic, will share his music in conjunction with the Pope's visit to St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y., where the Pope will preside over a youth rally; encouraging youth to seek vocations within the church. Maher is no stranger to events involving the Pope. In 1999, when the Pope came to St. Louis, Mo., Maher performed as part of the visit.

"I am extremely humbled, excited and honored to be invited to be a part of this event," shares Maher. "I think this visit is a significant turning point for the life of the youth of our Church, and a chance for young people to connect with the vision of Christian life that the Holy Spirit is breathing through the pontificate of Benedict XVI."

Maher is still involved in local church ministry at St. Timothy Catholic Community, in Mesa, Ariz., as well as working closely with two national Catholic ministries, Life Teen, a worldwide Catholic youth ministry, and Adore Ministries, based out of Houma, La. With an incredible love for Jesus, and a heart to reach people for Christ, Maher seeks to meet people where they are.

In addition to being a part of the Pope's historic visit to the United States, Maher will play a major, musical role during the upcoming World Youth Day 2008 event in Sydney, Australia. This year marks the first visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Australia. In 2000, Matt played at an event with Life Teen in the Piazza D'Espana (The Spanish Steps) during World Youth Day in Rome. In 2002, Matt's "Litany of the Saints" was played at World Youth Day, in Toronto, Canada.

For a hi-res image of Matt Maher (photo credit, Micah Kandros), click: http://www.essentialrecords.com/mattmaher/images/mattmaher_mainpress_hi.jpg

For additional information on Matt Maher, visit www.mattmahermusic.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Essential Records

CONTACT: For interviews or additional information: John Clore, Publicist
for Essential Records, +1-615-261-6361, john.clore@pmgsonybmg.com

Web site:

http://www.mattmahermusic.com/
http://www.essentialrecords.com/

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