Ohio Bishop Cites Two Things to Emulate in the Pope

TOLEDO BLADE, Sept. 20—In a letter to the Toledo Blade, Toledo bishop James Hoffman disagreed with columnist Eileen Foley — and a Father Joseph Dunn — who criticized Pope John Paul II.

“Not everyone shares Father Dunn's and Ms. Foley's negative critique,” he wrote.

“From my familiarity with Pope John Paul, I must say there are two qualities that I would like to emulate. His teaching is both consistent and constant from year to year and country to country. Polls do not influence his teaching.

“Second, he possesses a world view. I am disappointed in myself from time to time by my parochialism. I think it's a characteristic of many of us in the United States.

“In conversation as well as in his speeches and writings, it is always clear to me that the whole wide world claims the Pope's concern.”

Vatican and Mormons Trade Musical Kudos

DESERET NEWS, Sept. 19—Earlier in the year, Vatican Notes and Quotes featured a report about the wildly enthusiastic response the Mormon Tabernacle Choir received from a Roman audience at a concert at the Vatican.

Now a press that covers Mormon issues has reported the similar response a Salt Lake City audience has given a concert by the Vatican's chief organist at the Mormon Tabernacle.

“When the principal organist of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome journeys half-way around the world to play in another of the world's great religious halls. … one goes to the concert with certain expectations. Among them, a hope of hearing faith, good works, and charity,” said the review.

“And on Friday night, James Edward Goettsche delivered all three, offering a recital full of assurance, professionalism, and a deep love for the grand organ music of the world,” including pieces that are a rich part of the Catholic Church's centuries-old artistic heritage, said the report.

“The standing ovation he received was quick and spontaneous.

“Yet, more than the music itself, perhaps the most impressive aspect of the concert was how much at home Goettsche felt on the Tabernacle Organ. Proving, perhaps, once again that when great musicians and great instruments meet for the first time, they always greet each other like old friends,” it concluded.