Ooberfuse at World Youth Day Lisbon

Ooberfuse duo Hal St John and Cherrie Anderson pose with some #WYD23 volunteers in Lisbon

They've been described as 'Pope Francis' favourite electro-pop band' - Ooberfuse performed every day at World Youth Day in Lisbon.

The theme of the festival of faith was 'Mary arose and went in haste' (Luke 1:29). Pope Francis had asked to prepare for the event by reflecting on 2 Biblical verses : Luke 7:14, "Young man, I say to you, Arise!"; and Acts 26:16, "Stand up. I appoint you as a witness of what you have seen". These messages formed the basis of all their concerts.

In Lisbon's central square Terreiro do Paco, capable of hosting 20,000 not including clientele from the many restaurants hemming the square, the duo were asked to help 'get the party started' with a youth concert along with seven other acts on Tuesday August 1st.

To honour the festival's theme 'arise and go in haste' from their repertoire of originals they performed 'Go!' Watch them here: www.youtube.com/shorts/NHuNZV8nf6U

A palpable wave of excitement rippled through the crowd as Hal intoned above an electronic bass line 'Go out to Asia and Africa, To North and South America, To Europe and Australia and upwards to Antarctica, give good news to the poor, Go and heal the broken hearted, Go give sight to the blind, Go and get this party started! See: www.youtube.com/shorts/RjajWLKJb3o

They concluded their 30 minute set with an appeal to shamelessly live your dream to shine your light into the darkest parts of this world. Hal rapped 'they can make you scream and try and kill your dream, they can make you shout but please don't ever let it out, you were made with wings and tears can only sting, you were made to fly to where the dream will never die'. The audience reaction was incredible as he concluded 'And if it hurts too much, look deep inside your heart, a light is shining bright and it will chase away the dark'. Video link here: www.youtube.com/shorts/SQNOj7qvr9I

They said: "After the show a German pilgrim came up to us and said he was inspired and encouraged, and that we should continue being a light wherever we go.

"One thing that particularly struck us was the joy and enthusiasm of all the volunteers who helped us throughout all our shows and concerts. Their service was very inspiring. The events were all very well organised and well received."

In the closing Mass on Sunday 6th August, Pope Francis shared the same themes. In his sermon on the Feast of the Assumption he said 'What will we take back with us as we resume our daily lives?… I would respond with these three words: to shine, to listen, and to be unafraid'. In a tender moment that hushed the 1.5million pilgrims he added 'Dear young friends, today we too need something of this burst of light, so that it can fill us with hope as we face the many failures of each day and the darkness that assails us in life, and respond to them with the light of the resurrection of Jesus.' Our God illumines: he illumines our vision, our hearts, our minds, our desire to do something with our lives. The Lord's light always shines.

"This message was also how we closed each of our sets in WYD - let it shine! Video link here: www.youtube.com/shorts/N-puDphMQAg

See also Come To Me, performed in Castelo de Sao Jorge: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv2mnGA9HL4

They said: "We also had the chance to talk to Shalom World TV who is the official media partner of WYD. Some people ask us, what motivates us as a band? Why do we write music, participate in concerts, events etc? At the end of it all, everything we do as a band is all about His light and love.

"This 10-second video sums it up for us, this is why we do what we do: https://youtube.com/shorts/6_hUwNPVFuQ

"World Youth day Lisbon 2023 - what a joyful occasion combining deep reflection on the ancient truths and customs of our faith with the festive celebration of coming together with fellow pilgrims from almost every county in the world.

"We eagerly await Korea 2027 when the party that started last week will continue!!"