The 20th International Festival of Religious Song will take
place November 21-22, 2009, at the John Paul II Cultural Centre, 4300
Cawthra Road, Mississauga, Ontario. The Festival will feature two evenings
of quality music, song and a joyful celebration of faith, all highlighted
with multimedia effects.
The theme of the 20th International Festival of Religious
Song is:
"The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus" - St. Jean Marie Vianney
The Festival theme is based on the Holy Father's inauguration
of "a 'Year for Priests' in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the
'dies natalis' of John Mary Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests
worldwide."
We strongly encourage all participants in the Festival
competition to write their own lyrics and music, with particular inspiration
drawn from
the letter of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI proclaiming a year for priests
and any other parts of Scripture that speak to the role of the priesthood in
the life of the Church.
May the 20th International Festival of Religious Song be a
true celebration and witness of faith.
2009 IFORS - Guest Star from Italy
Father Mimmo Iervolino
Father Domenico Iervolino was born in S. Gennarello di Ottaviano (NA) on December 23, 1964. He began to write songs at eighteen. He won the "First festival of youth" as a performer and author with the song, "Brividi di agosto".
It was an unforgettable moment when, on September 15, 1987, Tony Melendez played his guitar for Pope John Paul II in Los Angeles. Born without arms, he performed a touching song entitled "Never Be The Same". When the Pope approached him from the stage to kiss him in appreciation, it seemed to reflect the sentiments of the entire country.
