Four cities, three continents, and countless Legionaries of Christ brothers and priests gave the gift of music through virtual concerts called the “World Tour.”
From Mexico, Louisiana and Georgia, to Italy, hour-long streamed shows brought hope during this season of Easter and simultaneous pandemic.
Organizers in Rome explain how it all came about.
LUKE RAWICKI, L.C.
World Tour organizer, Rome, Italy
“We thought, why don't we do a digital, live concert, which is what's trending now. A lot of people are doing it, famous musicians are doing it. So we're going to jump on that band wagon, but then use songs that they know to begin with so they get excited and more interested. And as well, we threw in there some religious songs and some original songs that we had written.”
JORGE MORA, L.C.
World Tour organizer, Rome, Italy
“We also want to do our part, with all the talent we have at our seminary. Everyone really liked it, we broke some records and we hope it helped share a message of hope.”
This message and the gift of music even arrived to those living alone in different parts of the world, who had no internet.
YAGO SOLÁ, L.C.
World Tour organizer, Rome, Italy
“Fr. John Luxbacher was speaking to his mom who lives in Canada, with no internet nor TV. She's 75. One of her friends heard about our concert. He called her, and put the phone by the computer so she could listen. She loved it!”
The concerts had a mix of music, reflection and dancing, all in an effort to show people that seminarians and priests are normal people, with different talents.
JORGE MORA, L.C.
World Tour organizer, Rome, Italy
“We want to continue creating a dialogue with young people through music. To help with discernment so they see we are normal. To teach that God doesn't take anything away, but gives everything. Also with worldly things, we can use them to send a message and reach God.”
LUKE RAWICKI, L.C.
World Tour organizer, Rome, Italy
“It seemed like it brought a lot of joy. There were a lot of #Alleluia and “praise the Lord.” It was also very interesting because there were people from all over the world speaking, so you had comments in English, Spanish, Italian, German, Greek, everything. So it made this big world seem kind of small for that moment.”
With their first online World Tour, they have big dreams to do another and grow even more.
YAGO SOLÁ, L.C.
World Tour organizer, Rome, Italy
If one day we could do a real World Tour, it would be great. Whatever God wants!
In the meantime, they'll continue using their talents to bring joy to others.
Melissa Butz
