Curé of Ars pastor to perform at Lincoln Center

When the Rev. Charles Mangano, pastor of Curé of Ars Roman Catholic Church in Merrick, steps onto the stage at Lincoln Center in New York City on Dec. 11 beside his sister, Laurie, he will be looking to do much more than entertain. He will be looking to inspire.

The Manganos will perform at the Alice Tully Hall Starr Theater at Lincoln Center with the Love Movement Choir from Trinidad and Tobago as they present their “Merry Christmas New York” concert on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m.

Mangano began singing at age 12. At 16, he was playing guitar and singing at a weekly prayer group. Over the next several years, he performed in a family band at weddings, retirement homes and church functions.

After becoming an ordained priest in 1990, Mangano decided to use his singing ability to help spread God’s word. Encouraged by his family, parishioners and friends, he and his sister released their first album, “Lead Me Lord,” in 1992. Since then, they have released six more gospel albums.

“The gift of music in my life has been my own personal journey with God,” Mangano said. “So my albums have inspired and touched me, so I share that with others through my gift of song.”

Originally from New Hyde Park, Mangano moved to Merrick six years ago when he became the Curé of Ars pastor. He has performed at the Northfork Theater in Westbury, and this year will mark his third performance at Lincoln Center, where he appeared in 2008 and 2009.

Being able to combine his two passions, his music and his faith, means a great deal to Mangano. “I see my gift of singing as an integral part of my ministry as a priest,” he said. ”Through the gift of song, I evangelize, and I bring God’s message of mercy, hope, love and forgiveness to my music. So I don’t see them as two separate things in opposition; I see them as one integral piece, enabling me to do God’s work.”

He first became acquainted with the Love Movement Choir in 1996, when the group came to the St. John Nepomucene Parish in Bohemia. According to Mangano, the choir performs a variety of music, including gospel, and incorporates choreography, costumes and movement into performances.

Mangano said that he was moved and inspired the first time he heard the group. “They brought me to tears,” he said.

Tickets for the concert range from $50 to $75 each, and the money raised will be donated to the poor in Trinidad and Tobago. To purchase tickets, call (212) 721-6500.

In addition to raising money, Mangano said he hopes the concert will motivate people to identify with the true meaning of Christmas. “I know that a portion of what I do is entertaining,” he said. “But my goal is not to entertain; my goal is to bring the soul to God.”

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