| 13 May 2007 - The theme song for the XXIII World Youth Day in 2008 (WYD08) has been chosen. Written by Guy Sebastian, "Receive the Power" will become the anthem for Australia's hosting of the world's largest youth event in Sydney next year.
"We wanted a song that was stirring and uplifting," WYD08 Coordinator Bishop Anthony Fisher OP said.
"Above all, it had to engage young people and capture the theme of World Youth Day 2008 - namely, that you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses."
Bishop Fisher said when WYD08 organisers heard "Receive the Power", they knew they'd found their anthem.
"To put it simply, 'Receive the Power' hit the mark on every level.
"Clearly, Guy knew we needed a song that would inspire the young people of the world to take up Christ's challenge to go to the ends of the Earth and be His witnesses; for many people in the northern hemisphere, Australia is the ends of the Earth!"
Bishop Fisher said "Receive the Power" was selected after a two stage process.
A song competition held last year drew more than 120 entries - many of them outstanding compositions in their own right - but the judging panel felt none quite delivered all the elements in a single package.
Several composers were then invited to submit songs for consideration, from which "Receive the Power" emerged as the favoured WYD08 theme.
A 'demo' recording was delivered to the Pontifical Council for the Laity - the Vatican body overseeing World Youth Day preparations - which granted its approval and support when Bishop Fisher visited in April.
"The WYD08 theme had to measure up thematically and be anthemic - yet be easily sung by people of all language backgrounds," Bishop Fisher said.
"We are confident 'Receive the Power' will rally young Catholics of all backgrounds to World Youth Day in 2008."
The song will be recorded and produced this month for release around the middle of the year.
BACKGROUND
Singer/songwriter Guy Sebastian came to prominence as the winner of the first Australian Idol in 2003. Since then, he has released three top five albums and seven top 20 singles, including three number ones.
Guy started writing songs for his church since he was 13 years of age and is a prolific songwriter.
In 2005, Guy was appointed Ambassador for World Vision and visited Uganda to shoot a documentary highlighting the issues of poverty and civil war and their impact on the population.
Guy collaborated with Australian singer/songwriter Gary Pinto on the song.
Gary fronted the multi-platinum selling R&B band CDB in the 1990s before embarking on a successful solo career.
He has written songs for several Australian artists including Guy Sebastian, Anthony Callea, Christine Anu, Jimmy Barnes, Jade Mcrae, and American soul singer Taylor Dayne.
Media Contact: Jim Hanna 0414 828 629
jim.hanna@wyd2008.org
www.wyd2008.org
Born:October 26, 1981 Klang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| 
