Theme song for Pope Francis’ visit to Singapore released

CNA Staff, Aug 21, 2024 / 16:45 pm

The Catholic community in Singapore released a theme song for Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to the country. 

Pope Francis will visit the Southeast Asian countries of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore from Sept. 2–13. The 11-day multi-country trip will be the longest of Francis’ papacy.

The song, titled “One Church, One People,” was composed by Ethan Hsu, a founding member of the Singaporean band Mystic Font and parishioner of the Church of St. Mary of the Angels. 

Telling the story of salvation from Genesis to the New Testament, the song is designed to reflect liturgical principles and encourage unity within the Church, according to LiCAS News. 

“We are one Church made holy in the Lord, led by the Spirit, one people of God,” the song says. “We will rise with him, Jesus Christ, our king / together we are light for the world.”

Hsu told LiCAS News the song “reminds us that we are one Church, made holy in the Lord and led by the Holy Spirit, galvanized as one people of God to become light for the world.”

The songwriter turned to prayer to make sure the composition of the song aligned with the values of the Catholic faith. 

Hsu called the process of creating this song one of unity and hope.

“It was testimony that we found unity and hope in this project, even within our own little work group,” he said.