POPE ATTENDS CONCERT, "A HYMN FROM THE MOUNTAIN TOPS"

VATICAN CITY, NOV 27, 2002 (VIS) - A concert entitled "A hymn from the Mountain Tops" was offered last evening in the Paul VI Hall by the National Union of Mountain Communities, in the presence of John Paul II. The Pope remarked that "this solemn event assumes singular importance in the framework of the Year of the Mountains," sponsored by the United Nations.

He thanked the orchestra from Pecs, Hungary, the choir from Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region and the National Union of Mountain Communities, noting that the union "wished to celebrate its 50th anniversary offering the Pope, also a lover of mountains, this very pleasing gift."

The Holy Father said he followed "the splendid musical compositions of Raff and Brahms," as well as the accompanying images of mountains, "with great emotion," adding that this "has invited us to raise a hymn of praise to the Creator for the marvels of nature, the work of His hands. The arduous majesty of mountain summits stimulates us to underscore those values of tenacity and humility that are indispensable for facing everyday life and for approaching with ardor the high mountain of holiness."

JPII-CONCERT;YEAR OF MOUNTAINS;...;...;VIS;20021127;Word: 200;