World-Renowned Musicians Come to Houston with a Unique Mission (1)

August 24, 2015

Catherine Rogan

HOUSTON – Hailing from Mexico City, Grupo Emmanuel has gained tremendous popularity throughout the world often playing to capacity crowds. They are talented musicians with a unique mission – their goal is to utilize the combination of worship and music to bring people closer to God and ultimately invite them to consider the priesthood or religious life.

Next week, Grupo Emmanuel will be returning to the Houston-Galveston area for the second time for a week-long event called Cielo Abierto (“Open Heaven”). Primarily for young adults, Cielo Abierto is five nights of praise, worship and Eucharistic Adoration at several parishes across the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, followed by a free concert on Saturday, August 15. The concert will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston. Doors open at 3 p.m., the concert begins at 4 p.m. 

“Last year we had approximately 2,300 people at the closing concert, but we had to turn many people away due to the capacity of the venue. We moved it to the GRB and expect a crowd of almost 4,000 people,” said Nory Taliente, one of the event organizers. “The feedback we received shows that people want to live Cielo Abierto again, and they want to introduce the experience to others.”

Cielo Abierto has been called a profound personal encounter with the love of God. “It gathers people together for praise, prayer and fellowship all in celebration of the great love of our God!” said Father T.J. Dolce, Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Utilizing the best technology, giant screens and lighting Cielo Abierto creates the perfect environment to encounter Jesus in the Holy Eucharist in an environment of spiritual intimacy. Since starting Cielo Abierto approximately five years ago, Grupo Emmanuel says they have seen great conversions, witnessed an emergence of priestly and religious vocations and seen a renewed spirit in attendees.

“My hope is that the people who attend the Noches de Adoracion are able to join in communion with their brothers and sisters and pray for our world. We are a divided people and we need Nights of Adoration to help us come together as one.” 

This year, Grupo Emmanuel will be joined by Joan Sanchez from the Dominican Republic, Carlos Castilla from Venezuela, Luna Eikar from Colombia and Carlos Omar from Matamoros, Mexico’s for the Saturday concert. 

Cielo Abierto is returning to Houston thanks to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston’s Office of Vocations and the Office of Hispanic Ministry. 

About Grupo Emmanuel:
Grupo Emmanuel’s ministry started at Our Lady of Sacred Heart in Mexico. It was there that Pedro, Juan and Gil Gonzalez-Garcia, who were members of the church’s Emmanuel Choir, pledged to use their talents to express their love and commitment to Christ. 

After several years of playing together at various Catholic festivals they were inspired to record an album, “Remembrances.” 

In 1993, the Gonzalez-Garcia brothers embarked on an adventure in the Lord as missionaries musicians. This led to the formation of Grupo Emmanuel. Current band members include Cristal Dominguez (vocals), Enrique Vazquez (bass), Luis Reynoso (keyboard and chorus), Juan Gonzalez (electro-acoustic guitar/ lead vocals), Misael Aguirre (drums) and Pedro Gonzalez (voice and preaching).

The group started Cielo Abierto approximately five years ago in Mexico City’s National Auditorium – the inaugural event completely sold out. Since that time, they have brought their ministry to numerous cities throughout Mexico and South America, and to other countries around the world, inspiring many to live a life devoted to Christ.