By Connie McKinney
Contributing writer
Ever since he saw him perform last summer at the Steubenville Youth Conference, James Haykal of Binghamton has been a huge fan of major-label Catholic singer Matt Maher.
When the 18-year-old senior at Seton Catholic Central High School learned that Maher was scheduled to perform in Binghamton, he didn’t hesitate to buy a ticket.
“It’s really beautiful to see this happen in my hometown,” he said. “It’s such a vibrant community we have here.”
Haykal joined more than 900 people who attended Maher’s May 9 concert at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Binghamton. The event also featured Eucharistic Adoration led by Bishop Douglas J. Lucia.
A standing room only crowd of more than 900 people packed St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Binghamton to hear Matt Maher perform on May 9. The event also featured Eucharistic Adoration led by Bishop Douglas J. Lucia. Photo credit | Connie McKinney
Planning for the event started last year and involved support from all the parishes in the Southern Tier, said Kathy Hamilton, the event coordinator who also serves as director of faith formation at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Endicott, and junior high youth minister at both Our Lady of Good Counsel and Our Lady of Sorrows in Vestal. Between 40 and 50 volunteers helped put on the event.
“We asked Matt to make it very joyful and celebratory,” she said. “Hopefully, everyone’s hearts will be open and moved by the Holy Spirit.”
A nine-time GRAMMY nominee, Maher has written and recorded hits including “Lord, I Need You,” “Your Grace is Enough,” and “Because He Lives (Amen).” He’s been performing and headlining his tours full-time since 2008.
“I’m Catholic and I’m an artist and a songwriter,” said Mahar before his performance. “I feel that God wanted me to write music that could help be a bridge between Catholics and Christians from other denominations. It felt like something I was called to do.”
He said he hopes those who attend his concerts and hear his music walk away with a stronger faith.
“I hope people have an encounter with Jesus and the Eucharist,” he said. “In all of the musical settings in which I play, I hope the fingerprints of God are felt.”
Maher has performed at numerous Catholic events, including World Youth Day festivals and the Steubenville Youth Conference, where Haykal first saw him perform last summer. Maher’s performance at the youth conference made Haykal a fan while simultaneously strengthening his faith, Haykal said.
“It really turned the light on for my faith,” Haykal said. “Knowing that he’s a Catholic singing praise and worship, that connects with me.”
In January, Haykal saw Maher perform during the Life Fest, which was held the night before the annual National March for Life in Washington, D.C. His friend and fellow classmate at Seton, George Phillips, was there, too. Phillips said he’s also a big fan of Maher and was excited that he came to perform in Binghamton.
“His songs bring an awesome message that can really change lives,” Phillips said. “It really helps me connect with God.”
A few pews away, Asha Damianopoulos sat with her parents, two brothers and three sisters. The family drove from Toronto to attend the Binghamton concert and was staying overnight.
“We’re all big fans,” she said. “We have all grown up listening to his music. We’re really excited and really grateful to this parish for hosting it.”
Maher said he was happy to be back at St. Thomas Aquinas and that the church holds a special place in his heart. Fifteen years ago, he visited Buffalo to ask his now father-in-law for permission to marry his daughter and now wife, Kristin. When he got the yes answer he was hoping for, his next stop was driving down to Binghamton and performing at St. Thomas Aquinas.
