Padre Guilherme’s First Beirut Concert Faces Petition to Ban It

Padre Guilherme is a Portuguese Catholic priest serving in the Archdiocese of Braga who has also become an internationally known DJ. Through his music, he blends electronic dance beats with religious elements such as hymns, Bible verses, homilies, and papal speeches. He first gained widespread attention during the COVID-19 pandemic by streaming weekly DJ sets that combined techno music with spiritual themes, reaching audiences well beyond traditional church settings.

Padre Guilherme is coming to Lebanon for the first time for a visit that will include a Mass at USEK, followed by a concert at AHM night club. However, a group of Lebanese individuals, including some members of the clergy, has filed a petition asking a judge to ban his concert. Their claim is that performing electronic music while wearing religious attire distorts the image of Christianity and violates morals and Church teachings.

Frankly, this is beyond ridiculous. Padre Guilherme is a legitimate Catholic priest in good standing with the Church, serving under his bishop and exercising his ministry with full clerical faculties. His work has not been condemned by Church authorities, and his approach has reached and inspired many, particularly younger generations. If someone does not appreciate his music or his style of evangelization, the solution is simple: don’t attend the concert. There is no justification for censorship.

I hope the judge in charge will dismiss this unnecessary and misguided petition.