Posted on 10/23/2024 3:43:53 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Deacon Anthony Liguori Jr., also known as "Deacon Elvis," balances his Catholic ministry in the Archdiocese of Newark, N.J., with a career as a highly regarded Elvis Presley tribute act.
Deacon Anthony Liguori Jr. is used to new parishioners gawking at him. But he doesn't mind.
He realizes that when people meet a clergyman for the first time, they're not expecting a jet-black pompadour and long sideburns straight out of an earlier era. He knows exactly what they're wondering, too: "Who does this guy think he is, Elvis?"
The answer is "no" — Deacon Liguori does not believe he is "The King" reincarnated. Yet if you ask his fans, they'll tell you that may be the best way to describe him.
That's because when he is not ministering to the faithful of Corpus Christi Parish in Hasbrouck Heights, Liguori is putting on professional, Las Vegas-quality performances as a highly regarded Elvis Presley tribute act. He even toured internationally, portraying Elvis as part of "Legends in Concert," one of the world's premiere tribute shows.
Make no mistake, though, Liguori's faith is anything but performative. Though his appearance might take some aback at first sight, the deacon said people just need to listen to one of his homilies to know his sincerity about improving people's lives through the Gospel. In fact, he said the only trait his vocations have in common is his desire to make people feel good.
"If I can help somebody, whether it's through my diaconate work or my music, that's very important to me," said Liguori, who is also an award-winning country singer. "We all go through trials and tribulations. I just want to touch people's lives and make things a little better for them."
(Excerpt) Read more at ncronline.org ...
...sigh...
“Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love. Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love, yeah, yeah (just a hunk).”
I’m not Catholic, but I can see why so many want to return to the traditional and dignified past.
Living in the limelight, the universal dream...
Deacons have a day job—unlike priests whose only job (usually) is being a priest. This guy’s job is as a singer-impersonator. Good for him. Hardly news.
Elvis Priestly.
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I agree. My late spiritual director was a Santa Claus, in season.
Elvis wasn’t a Christian. He made fun of them. I sold my soul for rock and roll shows him doing just that
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