The official song for World Youth Day Krakow 2016, inspired by the theme Blessed are the merciful, was premiered in the Polish capital this week.
The official debut of the song took place at the conclusion of the traditional procession of the Magi to mark the Solemnity of the Epiphany.
According to the WYD 2016 website, the song was composed by Jakub Blycharz, “a lawyer by education, a musician by passion.” He is the author of other liturgical compositions, including Dobry jest Pan (Good is the Lord), Bonum est praestolari (It is Good to Wait), Uczta Baranka (The Feast of the Lamb), Wi ta Dziewico (Oh, Holy Virgin), Amen, Godzien (Worthy) and Nie umr (I Will Not Die).
Scheduled for 25 July to 1 August 2016, the World Youth Day is expected to attract swarms of pilgrims from around the globe.
The song for the gathering begins with words from Psalm 121 which convey “the certainty that our Merciful Lord watches over us and will fulfil his promise to be with us ‘now and forever.’ Already in the first verse – based on the words of the Old Testament – God is defined as merciful,” the website explains.
The second verse refers to the parable of the lost sheep in the Gospel of Luke, “giving us the hope that God does not tire of seeking to bring man to the fullness of life. In this parable, Jesus assures us that a sinner’s conversion brings great joy to heaven”.
Reflecting the fifth Beatitude, the chorus picks up the theme of World Youth Day 2016: Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. This is the message of World Youth Day Krakow, the city from which St Faustina Kowalska spread the Divine Mercy devotion.
The third verse is inspired by Psalm 130: “If you should mark our sins, Lord, who could stand? But in you is found forgiveness, that you may be revered”.
The fourth verse speaks about salvation in Christ and the need to accept Him as Redeemer and Lord, and the bridge is an invitation to have faith and trust in the Lord, who has truly risen.
Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow was present for the performance, along with Blycharz. The initial version of the song is sung by Katarzyna Bogusz, Alexandra Maciejewska and Przemek Kleczkowski, with a 50-voice choir and an orchestra led by Hubert Kowalski.