Fr. Robert Lebel: Songwriter and Composer of Light of the World, World Youth Day 2002 Theme Song

The World Youth Day (WYD) theme songs serve as an instant connection to all the special moments pilgrims experience at WYD. It is hoped that Light of the World, the theme song of WYD 2002, will come to represent the spirit of this Canadian WYD and make WYD 2002 live on in the hearts of pilgrims.

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The song was written and composed by Quebec priest Fr. Robert Lebel, and the English lyrics were written by Bishop Paul-André Durocher, auxiliary bishop of Sault Ste-Marie and the youngest bishop in Canada.

The experience of recording Light of the World was like a mini World Youth Day in itself, according to Pedro Guevara-Mann, artistic director of WYD 2002 and the producer of the theme song. "The song and the music are so inspiring. The song is like a prayer," Guevara-Mann said.

Lebel's Inspiration

Lebel used the Message of the Holy Father to Young People on the Occasion of the XVII World Youth Day to write the song.

"This magnificent letter contains beautiful expressions rich in meaning that captured my imagination," Fr. Lebel said. "The words in his message that most struck me are: `in the heart of the night,' `it is up to you to be the watchmen of the morning,' and `it is the nature of human beings, and especially youth, to seek the absolute.' "

The Melody

Fr. Lebel's intention was to write a melody that is easy for everyone to sing. The range is very large; the song reaches its peak in the chorus.

"For the melody of the verse," Fr. Lebel said, "I wanted the range to be lower so that we could sing with a certain lightness and gentleness. This part of the song calls us to interiority. The meaning and sounds of the words have their own melody."

Fr. Robert Lebel: An Experienced Songwriter and Composer

Fr. Robert Lebel is well-known to francophones in Canada and in Europe. Born in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, he was ordained in 1976 and is a member of the Institute Voluntas Dei.

In 1979, Fr. Lebel's first album, Printemps de Dieu, came out. Since then he has recorded 25 albums and more than 150,000 copies have been sold. The harmonies and lyrics of Fr. Lebel are at once simple yet profound, and are firmly rooted in Scripture.

"In Quebec, the hymns of Fr. Lebel can be heard at almost any liturgical celebration. His songs are songs of happiness and are well loved." (Signes Magazine)

WYD-sekretariatet i Canada
18. januar 2002