The hymn for World Youth Day 2011, titled “Firm in the Faith,” was released on Monday. Based on the words of St. Paul, its lyrics declare “we walk in Christ.”
The Youth Orchestra of the Community of Madrid and the Youth Choir of the Escolania de El Escorial participated in taping the Spanish-language hymn, which will be distributed starting Nov. 19. The release date coincides with the eve of the Feast of the Virgin of Almudena, the patron saint of Madrid.
The song’s seven verses, based on St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, are accompanied by a chorus which says:
“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.”
Our Friend, Our Lord,
Glory always to Him! Glory always to Him!
We walk in Christ firm in the faith.”
Auxiliary Bishop of Madrid César Franco, general coordinator of World Youth Day (WYD), authored the lyrics. According to WYD organizers, he said the verses show “the humanity of Christ in the traditional Spanish mystical style, and aim to bring that humanity closer to the young people.”
Fr. Enrique Vázquez, a religious music composer, created the music. He said the first challenge was to invent a melody that would help pilgrims “understand, sing and pray the text.”
“The verses begin with a more lyrical character which reflect the amazement, admiration, and gratefulness to the person and work of Our Lord,” he explained.
The hymn has liturgical, popular and instrumental versions. The instrumental version is intended for large choirs, while the popular version may be accompanied by a guitar.
All three versions are available for free on the official WYD website. A multilingual music video of the hymn will be distributed in the future.
The hymn is available at http://www.madrid11.com/en/press-office/downloads
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