[Politics] "Darkness Falls" Melody Rings Out in the Vatican, Pope Greets Taiwanese String Orchestra
bellala 央廣5h ago
The Catholic Diocese of Taichung's "St. Cecilia United String Orchestra" was invited to perform at the Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem in the Vatican and participated in a public audience with Pope Leo XIV on the 17th local time. Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu shared this event on his social media platform today (18th), mentioning that the Pope specifically greeted the St. Cecilia United String Orchestra from Taiwan during his speech. During the group photo, in addition to encouraging and thanking the orchestra for their wonderful performance, the Pope also invited them to perform an additional piece on the spot.
Wu stated that the St. Cecilia United String Orchestra's performance in the Vatican was part of the "Taiwan Culture in Europe 2026" series of events promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has always believed that the most precious aspect of cultural exchange is the dissemination and interaction through mediums such as music, drama, and art, allowing more friends to get to know Taiwan.
Our Ambassador to the Holy See, Matthew S.M. Lee, sent back footage of the event to Taiwan. Wu said he was deeply moved upon watching it. In the video, the St. Cecilia United String Orchestra can be heard playing popular tunes like "Darkness Falls" and "The Moon Represents My Heart." The familiar Taiwanese melodies echoing in the Vatican conveyed the infectious power of culture transcending language and distance.
Wu mentioned that the St. Cecilia United String Orchestra originated from the Holy Rosary Church in Shalu, Taichung, and was established with the encouragement of Father Kurt Joseph Anderson of the Maryknoll Fathers. Father Anderson has dedicated over 50 years to Taiwan. In 2018, the government awarded him an R.O.C. identity card to recognize his long-term contributions to Taiwan. Wu recalled that he was the Mayor of Taichung at the time and had the city government representatives deliver the ID card to the Holy Rosary Church, welcoming Father Anderson as a citizen of Taichung.
Wu expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Lee and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs colleagues for their meticulous arrangements, as well as to Father Anderson and all members of the St. Cecilia United String Orchestra for their hard work and dedication, allowing Taiwanese music to leave a warm and profound memory in the Vatican.
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=215259
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