Vatican City: A Swedish youth choir brought the sounds of Nordic devotion to the heart of the Catholic Church as it marked the feast of St. Lucy with a special musical offering during Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday, December 11.
Students from Nordiska Musikgymnasiet (The Nordic Music High School) in Stockholm performed traditional Swedish Lucia hymns during an afternoon liturgy in the Vatican, ahead of St. Lucy’s feast day on December 13. Their performance introduced a centuries-old Scandinavian tradition to worshippers gathered in one of Christianity’s most iconic churches.
For the young singers, the experience was both overwhelming and memorable. Choir member Alfio Tota described singing in St. Peter’s Basilica as extraordinary, noting the vastness of the space and its distinctive acoustics. He said the setting added a unique depth to the music and made the performance especially moving.
Tota also reflected on the cultural significance of St. Lucy in Sweden, a country often described as highly secular. Despite this, he said, the Lucia tradition remains deeply rooted in Swedish society. Singing the familiar hymns evokes strong feelings of joy and nostalgia, connecting people across generations regardless of their level of religious practice.
Another choir member, Fabienne Glader, shared that she traditionally celebrates St. Lucy’s feast with her family each year. She described the saint as a symbol of courage and perseverance, explaining that St. Lucy’s story resonates even with those who may not identify as religious. For many, Glader said, the saint represents inner strength and hope.
The choir’s conductor, Casimir Käfling, called the opportunity to perform at St. Peter’s Basilica an exceptional honour. He said the Lucia tradition had always been part of his family’s Christmas celebrations and described conducting the hymns in the Vatican as a deeply meaningful moment.
Käfling also spoke about the significance of St. Lucy in the context of Sweden’s long, dark winters, particularly in December when daylight is scarce. In this setting, St. Lucy is celebrated as a bearer of light, symbolizing warmth and hope amid darkness.
Echoing this sentiment, Tota noted that the story of St. Lucy powerfully reflects the contrast between light and darkness, despair and hope. He said the music associated with her feast captures these themes and offers a message that continues to resonate far beyond Sweden.
The choir’s performance at St. Peter’s Basilica served not only as a cultural exchange but also as a reminder of how faith, music and tradition can unite people across nations, bringing light and hope into the heart of winter.