Cultural and musical traditions from around the world will be highlighted at Religious Education Congress 2005, from its Opening Rite and Welcome (Feb. 18) to the Closing Liturgy with Cardinal Roger Mahony (Feb. 20).

"I think we have tried to bring together talent from across cultures and generations that will awake us to grace," said Religious Sister of Charity Edith Prendergast, director of the archdiocesan Office of Religious Education. According to Sister Prendergast, Congress participants will be inspired and enriched by the diverse range of prayer services, workshops, concerts and liturgies.

Among the special events this year are multi-sensory ways for participants to become attuned to the presence of the Spirit. Feasts for the soul, heart, eyes and ears have been planned with opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration, Labyrinth-walking, Marion art works viewing and contemplative music listening, available in Hall E.

Poetry will be another art form featured at Congress. Poet, author and lecturer David Whyte will present workshops on Friday and Saturday afternoons using poetic insights to initiate self-discovery and "courageous conversation." Another artist of the spoken word, actress/playwright Marion Scherer, will perform her play "Prison of the Mind: A Creative Look at the Death Penalty," during a Feb. 19 workshop from 3-4:30 p.m.

The Friday Eucharistic liturgies at 5:15 p.m. will be "Mass of the Americas/Misa de las Americas" honoring the richness and giftedness of the many cultures of the Americas, with Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala presiding and Msgr. Ray East presenting the homily. Other Friday presiders include Jesuit Father J-Glenn Murray (jazz), Father Tri Dinh (contemplative), Msgr. Lloyd Torgerson (a Mass planned by and for youth), and Father Richard Leonard (general).

Following the Friday liturgies, an 8 p.m. arena concert celebration of song, dance and ritual, "Wake Up…to Grace in Abundance" will be performed by several performing artists including emcees Jesse Manibusan and ValLimar Jansen. At 10 p.m, musician Bob Hurd and members of Anawim will provide a contemplative experience of the Holy Father's Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, sung in simple chant melody complemented by choral and instrumental harmonies.

Liturgy of the Hours is offered Friday and Saturday at 5:15 p.m., and morning praise on Saturday at 8 a.m. Lunchtime musical events include an "exotic and festive" celebration of faith, led by Lasallian Youth and the Vietnamese Folk Dance Troupe, and Brianna, Aaron Thompson and Trevor Thomson in concert (Friday); concerts featuring Steve Angrisano, Matt Maher, Nellie Cruz, Father Jim Marchionda and John Angotti (Satrurday); and concerts headed by Grayson Warren Brown, Jaime Cortez, Tony Alonso and Donna Peña (Sunday).

A special matinee musical performance titled, "That You May Believe," authored by noted composer Marty Haugen, will be presented Feb. 19 (1-2:30 p.m.) with an intergenerational cast of soloists and instrumentalists.

Among the Saturday liturgies offered at 5:15 p.m. are Masses centering on various traditions including Celtic, Hispanic, Samoan and Black culture, as well as a Mass geared toward young adults. Saturday musical concerts after the liturgies include "Fiesta: A Moment of Grace/Un Tiempo de Gracia" featuring the rhythms of Latin-American music at 8 p.m. and "Taizé" music with Megan Pryor and Dave Anderson at 9:30 p.m.

On Sunday, Bishop Tod Brown of Orange will preside at the morning arena Mass at 8:15 a.m. and Cardinal Roger Mahony will preside at the closing liturgy at 3:30 p.m. For more information on the 2005 Religious Education Congress, call (213) 637-7346 or visit www.RECongress.org.