The Deseret News' Marjorie Cortez, who has a personal connection with the people of the Sangre de Cristo Parish in San Luis, Colo., offers a deeper understanding of the impact of the desecration of the parish's shrine by Mormon missionaries.

It's hard to understand the depth of this hurt without knowing a little bit about the town of San Luis, population 739. It is a desperately poor place. ...

Although many people in the San Luis Valley lack in personal wealth, they are sustained by their faith. The Rev. Valdez told parishioners, "You have worked hard and this whole community has worked hard to build that shrine as an expression of our faith and an expression of our love of God."

Mormons, in particular, should understand this tragedy, she says.

The Mormon Church has endured religious persecution and discrimination throughout its history. Mitt Romney's recent run for president gave the nation a glimpse of that.

Cortez, a Methodist, calls for the LDS Church to go to "extraordinary lengths" to bring about reconciliation with offended Catholics.

That process seems to have begun with the LDS Church's apology. Unfortunately, the statement was not offered by anyone of stature in the church. Instead, it was delivered by an LDS public relations specialist, who says the church will arrange a meeting with Catholic leaders to offer face-to-face apologies.

Considering that the descration story is being picked up by news agencies around the country, if not the world, it might be time for someone at the top to meet with San Luis' Father Pat Valdez — priest to priest.