"The Eucharist, Contemplative Prayer and Poetry: A Convergence of Grace," led by Monterey Bishop Sylvester Ryan, will be presented April 8 as part of the Program in the Spiritual Life series at Mount St. Mary's College (Doheny Campus).

"The Eucharistic liturgy is a mystery, the mystery of faith because it is the gift of our salvation renewed for us here and now," said Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet Thomas Bernard MacConnell, coordinator of the Spiritual Life series. "By paying attention to the language of liturgy and the insight of selected poetry, this day will be an opportunity to appreciate more deeply the contemplative dimensions of the Eucharistic liturgy --- the 'source and summit of the power and grace of the Church,' as the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy proclaims."

Bishop Ryan, a native of Avalon, was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1957, served as a rector of St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, and was ordained an auxiliary bishop for Los Angeles in 1990. In March 1992 he was installed as bishop of Monterey.

The program begins at 9:30 a.m. with registration, and includes three presentation sessions, reflection and discussion. The day concludes with a 4 p.m. liturgy.

Mount St. Mary's College's Doheny Campus is located at 10 Chester Pl., Los Angeles. Registration is $30 in advance or $35 at the door. For information on this or other presentations in the Spiritual Life series, call (213) 477-2500.