This is one of the last times Pope Saint John Paul II was seen like this...
It was in 2000, along with more than a million young people at the Jubilee in Tor Vergata.
But this is not deja vu. 25 years later: same event, same place, and also, same energy.
The difference: there is a new successor of Peter. Popes will pass, but that melody will endure.
Its author, who welcomes us this way, knows this well. Notice the details because in his house, even a simple lamp hides musical scores.
But Marco Frisina is more than those chords. 700 songs for the liturgy, 36 oratorios, bands, soundtracks for 32 films, four plays, and music for concerts. This has made him a leading figure not only in the Vatican, as his talent has transcended borders.
Although it all began in the seminary, he has a 48-year legacy dedicated to the world of music, which he combines with his priestly ministry.
MARCO FRISINA
Priest and Musical Composer
But I believe there was only one calling. It's just that I realized it over time, and it was Saint John Paul II himself who made me understand that there was only one calling.
And he said this precisely because he believed in the power music could have in bringing people closer to God. So he was my inspiration.
It is like a father's kiss to his son. Frisina served him for almost 30 years, and also with his successors.
MARCO FRISINA
Priest and Musical Composer
With Pope Benedict, who loved music, I wrote an oratorio for him. Several things we've done in other liturgies, Pope Francis more distantly because he didn't usually participate in the concerts. But every now and then he thanked us and did something. And with Pope Leo, he thanked us twice, so for us it was a great emotion because the Pope has been there for two, three months.
This is what this composer does: he brings the mystery of God closer to man through musical art.
MARCO FRISINA
Priest and Musical Composer
Precisely because song, music, expresses what words cannot, words cannot say everything.
Music can say everything. And so here it is. It adds the strength of the heart to words.
If Frisina had to choose a liturgical season, it would be Advent. Of course, choosing a favorite song for him would be like leaving the others orphaned, but if you have to take a risk...
MARCO FRISINA
Priest and Musical Composer
I'm fond of the first song I wrote because it's like the firstborn who blesses the Lord, my soul.
Ah, I love, I adore the Advent of Christmas. I don't know why, perhaps it's childhood memories that bring back the tenderness of Christmas. I've written several things for Christmas. And it's the time I adore.
In a changing world, his music endures.
Frisina composes the invisible: the soul of faith transformed into melody. Like an eternal echo, his compositions continue to speak what words cannot.
AM/CA
TR: GS
