Theme Song Gives Sneak Peak of Youth Day '11

MADRID, Spain, NOV. 9, 2010 (Zenit.org).- The World Youth Day hymn and a "WYD Soundtrack" were released Monday, the eve of today's feast of the Virgin of Almudena, patroness of Madrid.

“Firm in the Faith,” the title of the work, was interpreted by the Youth Orchestra of the Community of Madrid and the Youth Choir of the Escolanía de El Escorial.

Distribution is set to begin Nov. 19 but the song can already be heard at the official Web site, and sheet music can also be downloaded.

The song is based on the text from St. Paul chosen by the Holy Father to be the theme for WYD in Madrid 2011: “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith."  The hymn has seven verses, and a translation of the chorus can be rendered: "Firm in the faith, we walk in Christ, / Our Friend, Our Lord. / Glory always to Him! Glory always to Him! / We walk in Christ firm in the faith."  Auxiliary Bishop César Franco of Madrid, general coordinator of WYD, wrote the lyrics.

He said the verses "show forth the humanity of Christ in the traditional Spanish mystical style, and aim to bring that humanity closer to the young people.”  Father Enrique Vázquez composed the music.

"The first challenge was to think of a melody that would help to understand, sing and pray the text,” the priest said. He explained that the verses "begin with a more lyrical character that reflects amazement, admiration and gratefulness to the Person and work of Our Lord.”   A multi-language version of the song is forthcoming.

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On the Net:

World Youth Day Web site: www.madrid11.com/en