“The Messiah Lion, in order to conquer, became a Lamb to suffer.”
The notes of the symphony filled the square of the Basilica of the Holy House of Nazareth at Our Lady of Loreto Shrine in Italy.
Welcoming more than 1,200 people who gathered to witness the performance of Kiko Argüello’s Symphonic Work, composed of two parts: The Suffering of the Innocents and The Messiah.
As the sun set over the Italian hills and night gradually descended, the profound significance of presenting this work in Loreto became increasingly evident. This musical masterpiece has already been performed in some of the world’s most important and symbolic locations, including Auschwitz, Jerusalem, New York, Japan, and the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican, among many others.
Following the performance in Loreto, the orchestra presented the same symphonic work at the picturesque and renowned Sferisterio of Macerata, where approximately 2,500 people attended the event. The concert was organised by the International Father Matteo Ricci Foundation, named after the Jesuit missionary who was among the pioneers of the proclamation of the Gospel in China.
Evangelisation at the heart of the symphony
Indeed, evangelisation lies at the heart of this entire symphonic work. Its purpose is to remind every baptised Christian of the call to proclaim the Gospel to the men and women of today.
The local bishop welcomed those present and emphasised the importance of proclaiming the kerygma through art. “This evening,” he said, “we are being offered an adventure of the heart, of art, and of faith.”
Among those attending were Dino and Roberta Furgione, responsible for the Neocatechumenal Way in South Africa.
Speaking after the performance, Dino Furgione said: “This symphony is a form of evangelisation that leads people back to the beauty of God the Father and restores their divine sonship. Art and music have the power to communicate faith, allowing disarmed hearts to experience the love of God.”
He also expressed the hope that the symphony could one day be performed in South Africa: “We hope to welcome this symphony to South Africa as a way of honouring the suffering of so many innocent people in a nation that continues to bear the wounds of social injustice.”
Through its powerful combination of music, faith, and artistic beauty, Kiko Argüello’s symphonic work continues to touch audiences around the world, inviting them to contemplate the mystery of suffering, redemption, and the universal call to proclaim the Good News.
- The Suffering of the Innocents Symphony - June 23, 2026
- Mass Readings: 28 June – 5 July, 2026 - June 23, 2026
- Pope Leo: Remain Faithful to Jesus’ Teachings - June 22, 2026
