An atmosphere of spirituality and unity is expected to envelop Singapore’s National Stadium on Thursday during the papal Mass, showcasing a lineup of music and worship performances, some originally written for Pope Francis’ visit.
These “uplifting and transformational” vibes are also expected to envelop every household watching the Eucharistic celebration via livestream.
In a blog post published by the organizers of Pope Francis Singapore 2024, Friar Derrick Yap was quoted as saying, “We pray that not just the 50,000 people who come [to the National Stadium] but those who are watching us on the live stream, and others who would catch it later – feel the spiritual energy of the moment.”
The priest is part of the team preparing for the Mass and will be singing with the local Catholic band Mystic Font.
The papal Mass is expected to draw a crowd of 50,000 worshippers. The gates to the stadium will open at 1 p.m., with Pope Francis scheduled to tour the venue in his popemobile at 4:30 p.m., before presiding over the Mass at 5:15 p.m.
Other notable performances will include a choir from the Canossian School for students with hearing loss, as well as contributions from religious leaders, seminarians, and priests, including Rev. Fr. Valerian Cheong.
Renowned Catholic singer-songwriter Corrine May will also be taking the stage. The event will culminate in participative praise and worship led by musicians and singers from OneWorship.
“The music, dance, how we relate with one another – that is what would bind us, and be transmitted – that God is real and alive and is calling us together,” Friar Yap said.
As part of the celebration, the performers are set to debut a new song titled “A Thousand Ways,” inspired by Pope Francis’ exhortation Evangelii Gaudium.
The song reflects the Pope’s call for spiritual renewal and reconciliation, quoting: “Now is the time to say to Jesus: ‘Lord, I have let myself be deceived; in a thousand ways I have shunned your love, yet here I am once more, to renew my covenant with you. I need you. Save me once again, Lord, take me once more into your redeeming embrace.’”
Despite the challenges and intensity of the preparations, Friar Yap emphasized the larger purpose of the event. “For me, it’s to remind ourselves we’re doing this for God, His Vicar is coming, and it’s an opportunity to let people know that we all belong to this bigger family,” he said. “How in our fragility and fragmentation, we hold each other and [move forward] together with the grace of God.”
The performances and worship activities following the Eucharistic Celebration aim to leave a lasting spiritual impact on all participants, whether physically present or joining from afar.
