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Christmas Eve from the National Shrine St. Francis-Assisi,
San Francisco
Airs on December 24, 2008 from 3:00 - 4:00PM on ABC7 (Bay Area)
Monsignor Harry Schlitt hosts this hour long program from the Shrine's
newly dedicated Porziuncola Chapel, a replica of a small church rebuilt
by St. Francis of Assisi. From this intimate place of prayer and
reflection, viewers learn about another of Francis' recreations, the
crèche, one of the most recognized symbols of Christmas. Viewers will
be treated to the season classic, "The First Christmas." Hymns (PERFORMED BY US!) will
round out the program as the birth of the Prince of Peace is celebrated
at this Shrine that honors a man of peace.
The National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi
610 Vallejo Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-983-0405
www.shrinesf.org |
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 Miracle on Vallejo Street...
After walking into the Porzuincola Nuova shrine one sunny November morning, I was awestruck by the splendor and acoustics of this new little addition to my corner in North Beach. I asked the volunteer on duty if I might sing a song, and lo and behold, she actually agreed! Within a week I was asked to perform at two inaugural masses celebrated by the Archbishop of SF, and on an ABC Christmas Special featuring the shrine.
Raised a Catholic, this was a huge honor for me: to be singing in a newly-erected chapel that is an exact replica of St. Francis' shrine in Assisi, Italy. It is named one of the five holy sites in the world, and will be visited by the Pope himself in 2010. San Francisco has taken on a new meaning for me, as the namesake city of this magical saint who talked to the animals. I love it!
I especially want to thank Angela Alioto, Chris Salvador and Lauri Clark at New Group Media, Michael O'Leary from the Archdiocese, and the amazing team of performers who joined me on the Christmas special. You all rock! |
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 Christmas in North Beach...
Not pictured: Lucas Chen (cello) - but he too is phenomenal! |
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