Only the Spanish version of "
Firmes en la Fe" has been released. Personally, when I first heard it, the cumbersome refrain didn't immediately resonate. Perhaps in time, the challenging chorus may prove to extend its shelf life, since instantly catchy pop tunes can become grating after too much repetition. Nevertheless, I wasn't alone -- organizers are admitting that the hymn hasn't been very popular, particularly in the host country.
Dissatisfied pilgrims now have an opportunity to write the World Youth Day hymn that could-have-been. A new competition,
Tuned Into Madrid, allows the musically-inclined to submit their own songs. Users are then encouraged to vote for their favourites. Winning selections will be added to the WYD 'hymnal', meaning that they will be sung by the 1.5 million anticipated attendees of the global event.