As the months continue to pass as a perpetual countdown for the World Meeting of Families in Dublin, Ireland, the official hymn, “A Joy for all the Earth,” has been chosen and released to the public.
After an open call for theme-song ideas, composer Ephrem Feeley's song was selected among many submitted.
EPHREM FEELEY
Composer, “A Joy for all the Earth”
'It is a very joyful hymn. There's a strong refrain, very joyful refrain, and there are verses then that speak about love. There are verses that speak about justice. The text coming from the famous papal document, 'Amoris Laetitia.'”
He says his song also represents the social responsibility families have to help and love others, as being part of the 'world family' and the Church.
The official video, recorded at Blackrock College in Dublin, helps portray this by involving people of every age.
EPHREM FEELEY
Composer, “A Joy for all the Earth”
“The World Meeting of Families will be young people, old people, people of all ages, of all races, of all creeds and nationalities, the video had to reflect that. So we have very very seasoned, very experienced cantors, very experienced organists and musicians. Then we have a lovely children's choir as well, and they're refreshing, they're a joy to watch.”
The song has been adapted into a guitar version and assembly version, in addition to the full choir. It also has been translated into a number of languages, including Irish, French, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish to help everyone feel more comfortable as they prepare to celebrate families in August 2018.
