Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

St. Stephen Parish in Lawrence will mark its 150th anniversary with a special event on September 28, featuring a concert by Tony Meléndez, an internationally recognized Nicaraguan-American singer-songwriter and guitar player born without arms.

The celebration will begin with Mass at 11 a.m., led by Bishop James Conley. After the service, attendees are invited to join a dinner and tour the parish grounds. The tours will include visits to the area where the first Mass was celebrated and the site of logs from the original log church.

Tony Meléndez is scheduled to perform in St. Stephen Church at 3 p.m. Admission to the concert is by free-will offering. Refreshments will be available after the performance, and both history books and recipe books will be for sale.

Meléndez was born in Nicaragua without arms and with a clubbed foot due to medication his mother took during pregnancy. His family moved to the United States when he was one year old so he could receive corrective surgery that enabled him to walk.

At age 16, Meléndez taught himself how to play guitar using his toes. He gained international attention in September 1987 when he performed for Pope John Paul II during the pontiff’s visit to Los Angeles; after his performance, "Pope John Paul II, visibly moved, embraced the musician."

He has appeared on national television programs such as Good Morning America and Jerry Lewis Telethons, as well as network specials. In 2024, Meléndez received recognition from several organizations: "Among the many awards he has received, in 2024, Meléndez received the inaugural Inspirational Hero Award from the NFL Alumni Association at Super Bowl XXIII in Miami." That same year he performed before more than 60,000 Catholics at Indianapolis' Eucharistic Congress main arena and appeared on EWTN’s “Gifts of Hope.”

Meléndez has released six albums and authored an autobiography titled “A Gift Of Hope.” He resides in Branson, Missouri with his wife and children. When touring for performances or presentations—often accompanied by his brother José—he addresses topics including drug abuse prevention, self-esteem building, disability awareness, cultural understanding, family support systems, and bullying.

His career has taken him across all fifty U.S. states and over forty-four countries worldwide; plans for 2026 include travel to Rwanda for concerts as well as visits to religious sites such as Our Lady of Kibeho Shrine along with orphanages and schools.