The official anthem for World Youth Day / Lisbon-2023 was presented this week. The lyrics are by Father João Paulo Vaz, from the diocese of Coimbra, and the music is by Pedro Ferreira.

Over one hundred groups from all regions of Portugal competed in the contest to choose the winning song. The selection was made by a jury of music and arts professionals, who made the first selection, with the final choice being made by the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life in the Vatican.

The music video showcases the beauty of the Portuguese capital, expressed in the city's architecture and the joy of young people meeting up. Pastéis de Belém, a staple of Portuguese cuisine, also feature prominently in the video.

Authors

Father João Paulo Vaz, from the diocese of Coimbra, received the news that the song he composed had been chosen in the month he celebrated 25 years of priesthood. He shared that he was overcome with immense joy upon receiving the phone call with the news. "The World Youth Days are, for me, a milestone in my life," he revealed.

Musician Pedro Ferreira, who has been involved with music since he was 13, stated that receiving the news of his selection "was an overflowing emotion, it was seeing that something that had emerged in a small room, in a small space, was going to take flight, it was going to fly.".

He left in a hurry.

«"Mary arose and went with haste" (Luke 1:39) is the biblical quote chosen by Pope Francis as the motto for the XXVIII World Youth Day in 2023. The biblical phrase begins the account of Mary's Visitation to her cousin Elizabeth, a biblical episode that follows the Annunciation, the theme of the last WYD in Panama City.

In composing the lyrics, Father João Paulo wanted to make a connection with the World Youth Day in Panama, which also had a Marian theme, and he also used the themes proposed for each year. The music underwent further adjustments, but the lyrics remained the same. Later, the inclusion of another verse with a reference to Elizabeth was suggested. Mary hurried to meet her relative, "and we hurry to meet so many others with so many names as well," he emphasized.

The chorus

Everyone will hear our voice.
Let's raise our arms, there's a rush in the air.
Jesus lives, he does not leave us alone.
We will never stop loving again.

The song was recorded in two versions: one in Portuguese and an international version in five languages (Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, and Italian).

By singing this hymn, young people around the world are invited to identify with Mary, making themselves available for service, mission, and the transformation of the world. The lyrics also evoke the celebration of World Youth Day and the joy centered on the relationship with God.

Watch the video and listen to the WYD2023 Anthem.

Source: arquidiocesebh.org.br