Vatican Ambassador to the United Nations to Be Guest at Franciscan Foundation Christmas Concert


NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - November 19, 2009) - His Excellency Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Vatican Ambassador to the United Nations, will be the guest of honor at The Musical Splendors of Christmas, a concert of Sacred Arias and seasonal favorites performed by operatic tenor Roberto Iarussi and soprano Christian Holms on December 3, 2009, at St. Francis of Assisi Church Manhattan. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Foundation.

Mr. Iarussi has performed with regional opera companies throughout the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He made his Lincoln Center debut in 2006 with the Orchestra of St. Luke's, Alice Tully Hall. Christina Holms has captured audiences in the United States and Europe. She has released two albums and recently performed at Gracie Mansion.

The Franciscan Sisters Foundation supports the programs of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in the United States, Italy, the Philippines, Brazil, and Senegal. "We are delighted that a representative from the Holy See will be joining us at this inaugural holiday celebration," said Sister Tiziana Merletti, Superior of the congregation. "His Excellency's presence will reaffirm the importance of our efforts to make a difference, 'transforming one life at a time,'" she said.

The Sisters work includes a safe house for victims of human trafficking in Italy, day care and after-school care in Brazil, a soup kitchen that serves over 100,000 meals per year and a shelter for homeless mothers and mothers-to-be in the United States, two health care clinics and two elementary schools in Senegal.

For tickets and information, contact: 212 818-1987, ext. 13 or E-mail: vmoore@franciscanfoundation.org

--  Patrons ($250 per ticket) concert and pre-recital reception from
    6:00pm to 7:00pm
--  Concert Tickets only ($100 per ticket).
    

Contact Information: CONTACT: Valery Moore Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Foundation Phone: 212.818.1987 Fax: 212.808.0096