Mississauga's John Paul II Polish Cultural Centre was filled to capacity on November 15 and 16 for the Fourteenth Annual International Festi-val of Religious Song.

Coordinated by Rev. Marian Gil, OMI, and Catholic Radio in Toronto, this year's festival featured a reunion of the laureates from previous years. They came together to mark the Silver Jubilee of the Holy Father's pontificate. Their performances paid tribute to this re-markable role model, an apostle of faith, peace and ju-stice. They also paid homage to the values for which the Holy Father stands.

Among the international guest stars was the American Christian rock artist Sal Solo. He started his career as a heavy-metal performer with satanic overtones. As a result of a powerful conversion experience in 1983, he was about to leave the music scene altogether. However, he was persuaded by a priest and mentor to continue to use his musical talents, but to redirect them to spiritual
ends. This he has done and with powerful effect.

His moving songs, including "San Damiano," which was very
popular in Europe in the 1980s, brought the audience to
cheers and tears.

"There is profound spiritual po-vertyin Western countries,
" Sal So-lo said. "Too many people have lost the way."

He recommended, among other things, that those intent on
charting or recharting a path back to God, and to the values of human dignity, might start by spending quiet time with someone who is less fortunate, as a way of putting first the needs of others.