'Miss Saigon' star to host program on Asian-American Catholics

Published: 2005-02-02

BELLEVILLE, Ill. (CNS) -- What is the lead actress from "Miss Saigon" doing on cable's Hallmark Channel? This Philippines-born actress will host "Harmony in Faith," a special presentation of "World of Faith and Values," airing noon-1 p.m. EST on Sunday, Feb. 13. Lea Salonga, cast in the title role of "Miss Saigon" at age 18, narrates the hourlong program about Asian and Pacific island Catholics, one of the nation's fastest-growing immigrant groups. The program, produced by Oblate Media and Communication Corporation with a grant from the U.S. bishops' Catholic Communication Campaign, introduces viewers to the gifts that Asian and Pacific island immigrants bring to the American Catholic Church. It is based on the U.S. bishops' pastoral letter, "Asian and Pacific Presence: Harmony in Faith," issued in 2001. Salonga, 31, was asked to host the program because of her own Catholic faith and heritage. "My faith has pulled me through a lot of rough spots in my life and my career," Salonga told The Messenger, Belleville's diocesan newspaper.

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