As a DJ, village priest in Portugal cues up faith and electronic dance music for global youth

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In the quaint village of Laúndos in northern Portugal, Father Guilherme Peixoto juggles his pastoral duties with a unique endeavor—DJing. This 49-year-old Catholic priest, amidst conducting Mass and memorial services this month, is also prepping for an upcoming international DJ performance.

This venture, which began as an innovative fundraising method for local churches almost two decades ago, has evolved into a crucial aspect of his ministry. It’s particularly significant in Europe, where religious observance is on a sharp decline, especially among the youth.

Peixoto, who recently returned from a major Halloween festival gig in Italy, believes that through electronic music, he can connect with young people. He sees it as a bridge, showing that one can appreciate music and festivals while being a devout Christian.

His role expanded to the global stage when he was tasked with energizing pilgrims early in the morning before a Mass by Pope Francis at the World Youth Day in Lisbon. Peixoto, who also serves as a military chaplain, had been prepping for performances with the Portuguese Army’s symphony band. However, he shifted focus to prepare for this massive event.

At the event, clad in his clerical collar and headphones, Peixoto captivated an audience of approximately 1.5 million, blending dance music with snippets of papal speeches. His set included powerful messages from Pope Francis and St. John Paul II, culminating in an atmosphere where faith and festivity intertwined.

After this performance, Peixoto quickly returned to his village for local religious processions. According to Silvana Pontes, a parishioner and volunteer, Peixoto’s presence in the parish’s club brings a natural and joyful atmosphere.

The parish, which faced financial struggles when Peixoto arrived in the mid-2000s, saw a turnaround thanks to his initiative to replace traditional fundraising methods with karaoke events and rock music sets. His efforts not only cleared debts but also enabled further renovations. Peixoto, who once played in bands during his seminary days, even pursued professional DJ classes, integrating music into his pastoral work.

Tania Campos, a local catechist and volunteer, notes the community’s acceptance of Peixoto’s dual role as a priest and DJ. The parish bar, only open on Friday nights to respect Sunday Mass, has become a family-friendly venue, attracting large crowds. The last night of this season’s bar saw a significant turnout, with volunteers serving local delicacies and beverages.

Sales from these events fund the church, which is now planning an ambitious project for youth activities. Andreia Flores, a volunteer, expresses joy in participating, seeing it as a blend of faith and happiness.

For Peixoto, DJing is more than entertainment; it’s a modern evangelization tool. His performances include messages from Pope Francis, like excerpts from the encyclical “Laudato Si’.” He sees this as planting seeds of faith through music.

Peixoto’s approach is inspired by Pope Francis’s call for clergy to reach out to the unchurched. In a country where religious practice among youth is dwindling, as noted by Professor Eduardo Duque, Peixoto’s methods may bridge the gap. While most of his audience might not attend Mass, their curiosity about the church is piqued.

Despite his DJing commitments, Peixoto remains dedicated to his pastoral duties, often rushing back for Mass after performances. He emphasizes the importance of being a community shepherd and believes the world is open to Jesus’s message if communicated effectively.

This story, highlighting Peixoto’s unique blend of faith and music, is part of the Big Big News religion coverage, supported through a collaboration with The Conversation US and funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The content is solely the responsibility of the AP.

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