This is not just a slogan, but also the mission of Padre Guilherme – a priest who shows that faith and modern forms of evangelization can go hand in hand.
On August 15 the “Prosta Droga do Boga – Być jak św. Maksymilian” Festival will take place at ERGO Arena in Gdańsk–Sopot.It is a unique opportunity for communal prayer, worship, and meeting within a community of people of faith. One of the musical stars of the event will be Padre Guilherme a charismatic priest and DJ who has been reaching young people around the world with the message of the Gospel for years, showing that the Church should be where young people are.
This Portuguese priest has gained huge popularity with his electronic music and testimony of faith, touching the hearts of young people worldwide. Padre Guilherme rose to fame during World Youth Day in Lisbon in 2023. Organizers asked him to “wake up the pilgrims” at 7 a.m. before an outdoor Mass celebrated by Pope Francis. The priest, wearing a clerical collar and large black headphones, swayed to electronic music interwoven with fragments of Pope Francis’ speeches from the previous day. He began with the famous words of St. John Paul II: „“Do not be afraid!” The effect delighted 1.5 million pilgrims. After WYD, Padre Guilherme was invited to many major religious events not only in Europe, but also in the United States, South America, and the Middle East. When in November 2025 he was evangelizing through music in front of the cathedral in Košice, a screen connected to the Vatican showed Pope Leo XIV, who listened to the music for a moment and then gave his blessing.
Padre Guilherme clearly explains why he uses electronic music in his pastoral work. “Through it I can convey a message, I can be where young people are,” the priest explains. He says he wants to reach also those who do not enter churches. “If we cannot bring people to the church, let us bring the Church to the people,” he repeats. This is his way of evangelization. “Young people may think: if a priest can be a DJ, then I can also like music, festivals, and still be a Christian,” he explains.
In addition to the Portuguese priest, musical and spiritual experiences at ERGO Arena Gdańsk–Sopot will also be provided by Polish stars: Roxie, anMari, EDZIO, Magda Bereda and Schola Adonai.
The heart of the ‘STRAIGHT PATH TO GOD. IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. MAKSYMILIAN’ festival will be a Holy Mass celebrated by Cardinal Robert Sarah and Eucharistic adoration. A special surprise awaits participants during a connection with the Vatican.
Participation in this event will help strengthen faith and experience a sense of community, as well as contribute to the creation of a unique film about St. Maximilian Kolbe. Funds from ticket donations, available at https://drogadoboga.com/ , will be allocated to this project.
