Unity Awards presented to best in Catholic music

Published: 2004-11-23

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (CNS) -- Catholics from around the globe gathered Nov. 13 at the Mall of America in the Minneapolis suburb of Bloomington, but they were not there to shop. Their focus was on singing, celebrating and calling attention to Catholic music with the fifth annual Unity Awards presentation held in the Great Lakes Ballroom inside the renowned Minnesota mall. The annual awards, sponsored by the Iowa-based United Catholic Music and Video Association, recognize the work of Catholic performers who use their music as a ministry. U.S. and international artists from Belfast, Northern Ireland, to Orlando, Fla., took the stage to perform and be acknowledged for their dedication to promoting Catholic music. "I come because I am a firm believer that the ministry of music has to be supported," said Father Miguel Gonzalez, who returned to host the ceremony for his third year. Gonzalez joined singer Pollyanna Dorough, who has emceed the event since its inception in 2000, the year the music association was founded. In addition, to co-hosting duties, she picked up her first Unity Award for the song "Fly to Heaven," written in memory of her sister. It was named pop/contemporary song of the year.

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