Pure of Heart Theme song announced for ACYF15

Genevieve Bryant performing at ACYF, Melbourne in 2013

‘Where can we see God?’, a simple question that triggered a young song writer to compose the lyrics chosen as the theme song for the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) this year.

Taking the theme of the Festival, ‘Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God’, Genevieve Bryant asked herself, ‘where can we see God?’

The question prompted a deep musical response in singer-song writer Genevieve. ‘When our eyes are truly opened we see God as the poor and thirsty, the heart of justice, the lost and searching.’

‘When we proclaim this belief, God gives us the grace to be pure of heart,’ which reflects the title of the song, pure of heart.

The young artist composed the lyrics after experiencing ‘an incredible energy’ at the festival in 2013.

‘I wanted to write a song that captured both the theme of the festival and the vibe that’s created when so many young people come together to celebrate their faith.’

‘I am so excited to be a part of it all again this year’, the Melbourne based artist added.

Landing herself some ‘amazing opportunities’ in recent years, Genevieve now describes herself as a ‘travelling music minister’ performing and presenting workshops at parishes and schools across Australia.

‘I’ve been blessed to have the chance to share my music, faith and experiences with others. I continue to be inspired by the amazing young people I meet.’

In her early high school years, Genevieve began composing lyrics, which she likens to writing a diary. At the age of 14 years, ‘I taught myself the guitar and started putting words to music. I was pretty quiet at school so sharing those thoughts and stories made me anxious. Imagine sharing your diary out loud!’

‘I am very blessed to have the opportunity to share my experiences and faith journey through my music.’

Genevieve has produced two albums called ‘Make a Change’ and ‘Little Things’. She has also been involved in composing and recording the ‘Evergreen Live’ album.

Organisers of the youth festival advertised for songwriters to send in their expressions of interest based on the theme for the festival, before selecting a song. The process is not a competition. ‘The youth festival chooses to facilitate this process and announce a festival song because it is committed to supporting and encouraging young Australian artists who make a powerful contribution to the Church’, Malcolm Hart, Director, Office for Youth, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, said.

The festival song will be professionally recorded over the coming weeks and will be published on youth festival website: http://youthfestival.catholic.org.au/

The ACYF takes place from Thursday 3 December until Saturday 5 December 2015 at the Adelaide Convention Centre and St Francis Xavier Cathedral.

 

 

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