Footprints, one of the Maltese bands selected to play during Pope Benedict XVI’s meeting with young people at the Valletta Waterfront, is obviously enthusiastic about today’s performance.
In comments to this newspaper, band members commented how enthusiastic they are about the idea of taking part in the meeting of Pope Benedict XVI with youth at Valletta Waterfront. “We are eager to promote and spread a positive message, as we have done throughout our 10 years together, working in synergy with other singers and bands.
“We are looking forward to enjoying and fully participating in this national event. For us, it is very important to be functioning members of the Christian Catholic Community.
“We have always believed that the Maltese have something more to offer apart from traditional cuisine and hospitality! Maltese bands are talented and have much to offer locally and abroad. Having said that, we believe the event will be the first, but hopefully not the last, national Christian musical concert featuring outstanding Maltese talent and Christian worship.”
The event is open for young people aged 13 to 35, and those wanting to attend are required to register online on www.popemalta.org. There will also be registration desks at the Valletta Waterfront.
The event is being organised by the Diocesan Youth Commission in collaboration with the Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth and Sports, and is supported by APS Bank.
Footprints was formed in 2000 by four young friends from the same neighbourhood who were keen to share their love of music. A couple of years later, the band decided to enter the Christian Rock genre, and it did not take long for its members to begin writing their own original material and professing their values and a positive message through music.
Current members of the band are Jurgen Scicluna (vocals and keys), Hilary Spiteri (guitars), Bernard Catania (guitars), Keith Scicluna (bass) and Ivan Cassar (drums and percussion).
“As a band we think that music in general builds up an everlasting energy which affects those who are exposed to it. Young people around the world are very exposed to music, and so music has to be considered a very important ingredient that should be taken much more into consideration when reaching out to young people in the Catholic Christian Community.
“We encourage all young people to take part in this great event, which is open to them all. Something that music has in common with Jesus Christ is that both are universal, so come and be a part of this Maltese celebration!”