June 26, 2008 Holy Cross chaplain takes his music internationally Play video

(Danica Pecirep, NECN: Worcester, Mass.) – A Holy Cross chaplain has already released his own CD and is now about to go international.

NECN’s Danica Pecirep has his story.

Script:

His music is usually heard only in the chapel at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester - but soon the notes composed by Paul Melley will be shared with thousands of youth from across the globe.

“I’m going to be one of 260 musicians and performers from around the world that were invited to do this.”

Melley, the Director of Liturgical Music at Holy Cross, will perform at World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia on July 18th. The event is held annually by the Catholic Church. Its goal is to help young people celebrate and learn more about their faith. Pope Benedict the 16th will host the event. Its expected to draw about 500,000 people, making it the largest youth event held anywhere in the world.

“It was started by Pope John Paul in the 1980's – 1984 - it was a recognition that the youth really are the future of the church.”

Melley will perform his own original work. His songs are inspired by psalms from the Bible. Last year, he released his first album - a CD - entitled - "Humbled.”

“That was really exciting - kind of a dream come true - took a long time to come together but it finally did and it’s an amazing experience.”

Originally from Belmont, Massachusetts, Melley always knew music would be an important

“Along the way I realized this was something I needed to be doing - it was more fulfilling for me - and it really connected me with what I felt I was supposed to be doing.”

This will not be the first time Melley has performed in front of a pope - in 2002, he played at the World Youth Day celebration hosted by Pope John Paul the 2nd.

Both times, he says, he's been honored to take part in such a meaningful event.

“I guess the biggest thing is I’m just grateful for the opportunity - I mean to be one of a couple hundred in the world to do this, is a pretty humbling experience I guess.”