Sydney, Australia, Sep 6, 2007 / 08:59 am
Australian Supreme Court Justice George Palmer has composed the music for the World Youth Day 2008 closing Mass with Pope Benedict XVI at Randwick Racecourse.
He titled the mass Benedictus qui venit, from the Latin liturgy "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord", to honor Pope Benedict, who will make his first visit to Australia for World Youth Day in July.
In comments to the Sydney Morning Herald Palmer said, "This is a youth Mass, but it has to be suitable for everyday Sunday use, so it has to be happy, uplifting and full of energy.”
"George's mass is full of life and optimism but it is very profound," said Fr. Peter Williams, the director of liturgy for World Youth Day.