On my drive home from Austin I tuned into the Siris XM129 talk show ‘Catholic Guy’ with Lino Rulli and Fr. Rob. I just subscribed to satellite radio so I had never had the opportunity to hear the show but I’ve had others tell me about it.
Lino and Fr. Rob are preparing to go to Rio de Janeiro for the next World Youth Day ceremonies next week (which I’ve sadly decided, after Madrid, not to partake in this time around) and were talking about past theme songs. Being that I attended the last three World Youth Days, having spoken at the last two (Sydney and Madrid), it peaked my interest to hear what they had to say.
(For those of you who might not be Catholic, World Youth Day is a world-wide event hosted by the Pope, for young adults from 18-35, that is both a celebration of faith and in essence a large conference. It is held typically every 2-3 years, with a different country hosting each time, and approximately 600,000 to 3 million in attendance depending on the accessibility of the country.)
Much to my surprise (and admiration for their candidness) they played the last 5 World Youth Day theme songs, plus the upcoming theme song, and discussed how awful they were. Yes, awful. I personally remember each young adult group I was with making fun of the very same songs that we heard over and over again at the various events and ceremonies. The lyrics were long winded and seemingly written by an 89 year old liturgist with a tune only she could follow!
Listening to them play these songs and laugh at the absurdity of the songs ever ‘reaching out’ to young adults and then hearing them pose the question, “Why is it the protestant, evangelical world gets it right with up to date music that can draw you in and lift the spirit but we as Catholics miss the mark?” made me feel as if I wasn’t such a rebel after all.
A listener called in and made the point that there are so many talented Catholic musicians out there, many who are already well-known for their music, why aren’t they approached to write these songs?
Exactly.
For an hour these two had me laughing out loud. They made me think of all the great priests and Catholics I know and have come across in the past ten years who love the faith but also get that the church needs to evolve if it wants to evangelize. This year’s World Youth Day theme is ‘Go and be Missionaries to the World’…yes, a great message, but man…it doesn’t mean the song has to have that title in the lyrics! And get this, it’s in a ‘techno beat’ so it’s like they are trying to be ‘hip’ but it sounds like my grandmother trying really hard to fit it all in on beat (but way off).
Though tragic, I’m sure the song will have the millions of young adults making fun of the ‘best’ of it just as Fr. Rob and Luni were striving for with the karaoke 80’s band Ace of Base correlations.
I know many don’t ‘get’ the Catholic faith and I adore those that at least try to understand and fully accept that though they might not ‘get’ it they know we are equally Christian and I give them occasional clearance to mutter ‘bless their heart‘ at our fumbling coexistence in evangelization in this modern day and age.
Regardless of the song and the modern touches, bells and whistles of Christianity, what makes me proud to be Catholic is the timeless existence, gift of the Sacraments and being Universal. That is the true draw and beauty of World Youth Day. Surrounded by millions of Catholics from all over the world and celebrating Mass together. Our fellowship and worship is the same in the United States as it is in any country in Asia, Europe, South America, all over the world. Universal. Welcomed in our faith and feeling at home any where and everywhere.
Beautiful.
Blessings
Shannon