ENDORSEMENTS

• Senator Fred H. Mills, Jr. says “This is an important project for the State of Louisiana that will not only recognize, preserve, and promote the vibrant heritage of our Cajun culture but will also provide charitable support to our neighbors and friends in our local communities so that they too can prosper in the face of adversity just as our Cajun ancestors did.”

• St. Martin Parish President Chester Cedars leaned in with support, “Words alone cannot express the pride and excitement generated by this project. Longfellow’s epic poem will literally be brought to life by talented and renowned artists, all of whom have a strong, longstanding relationship with St. Martin Parish. The album and musical will no doubt attract countless visitors to our communities while concomitantly affording our own residents an opportunity to reconnect to their Acadian heritage. As this production will demonstrate, the Acadian spirit captured long ago by Longfellow in his poem is still alive and vibrant.”

• Six-time Grammy Award winning producer Tony Daigle will produce the musical album that will feature the entire series of these unique songs. “What an honor,” Daigle states, “to bring together a group of local musicians to collaborate on a project that honors the spirit of our Cajun people. We have some of the most unique and diverse musical styles here in South Louisiana, and I am honored to have the privilege and the challenge to weave them together on this project.”

• The Grammy-nominated band, Sweet Cecilia, has been integrally involved in the project from its inception. Lead singer, Laura Huval says that she is honored to be a part of something so beautiful. "I have a full heart,” says Huval, “to know that music is such a fundamental part of my own life, as I was rooted in it as a child through my father, and I am grateful that I can continue to share my gifts to educate the world about the Acadian culture. I am so proud to be a Cajun girl, and I’m proud to showcase to everyone what that truly means!”

• Local musician, Geno Delafose, also remarks about what a gift it is to be involved in this special project. "Music expresses who we are, and this unites us and communicates who we are together.” Delofose continues, “Musicians have had a rough year with the pandemic, but this project will give us an opportunity to unite and work together on something positive for the people of Louisiana.”

• Louisiana State Representative Mike Pete Huval "This is truly an awe-inspiring musical project to preserving the State of Louisiana's rich Acadian French heritage and culture. Through that of the expression of music will this close to home epic poem of Evangeline be restored anew with vocal excitement; bringing yet again a lasting impact to local communities, numerous abroad tourists and future generations seeking answers to their Acadian heritage."

• Father Clinton Sensat: "I am so grateful to Fr. John Joseph and Angel Publishing for refashioning the great epic of Cajun life. In doing so they are engaged in a work deeply human, but also faithfully Christian. May the long journey of lovers described by Longfellow prepare us for the long journey of love for Beauty Himself."

• Very Rev. Father Donald H. Calloway, MIC, STL "I applaud the mission of Angel Publishing, and their work through the Evangeline project to evangelize through the arts. In choosing to entrust this work to the care of Saint Joseph, they are aligning their mission and vision with the values and virtues he perpetuates for the sake of obtaining the promises of eternal glory in Heaven. May this message of hope, perseverance and love touch many hearts and spread far and wide to help folks grow towards greater heights. Go to Joseph. Ite ad Joseph.God bless."