This week The Tidings previews various upcoming archdiocesan celebrations happening early in 2007. More details on some of these events will be presented closer to their occurrences.

Requiem Mass for abortion victims: Jan. 20
The fifth annual Shantigarh Requiem Mass for the Unborn, honoring the memory of all who have died from abortion in the past year, takes place Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Cardinal Roger Mahony will preside with several auxiliary bishops concelebrating.

The Mass is celebrated in the archdiocese every January near the Jan. 22, 1973 anniversary of Roe v. Wade legalizing abortion in the U.S. "It's very important on an annual basis to remember and pray for the children who have been aborted in Los Angeles," said Nancy Iredale, a grassroots pro-life activist and former Respect Life coordinator for Holy Family Church in South Pasadena. The liturgy also offers those who have had abortions an opportunity for reconciling themselves with God and their unborn children.

Prayer for Christian Unity: Jan. 21
The celebration for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity takes place Jan. 21 at 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 209 N. Louise St. in Glendale with a reception to follow. Among the many Christian faiths participating in the Glendale celebration are Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Greek Orthodox, American Baptist, Presbyterian, Armenian Church of America and United Methodist Churches.

Father Alexei Smith, archdiocesan interreligious officer, said that Pope Benedict's recent meeting in Turkey with the ecumenical patriarch adds new significance to the work of forging unity among Christians. "Chrsitian unity is a priority of his pontificate; therefore it should be a priority of every Catholic as well," said Father Smith.

Peacemaking in a World of Violence: Jan. 27
The symposium "Peacemaking in a World of Violence: Doing My Part" on Jan. 27 will be keynoted by Rev. George Regas, rector emeritus of All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena and founder of The Progressive Religious Partnership to foster interfaith collaboration in peacemaking.

Other speakers include Joey Ray of Homeboy Industries, Imelda Buncab of the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking, Sister of Social Service Simone Campbell of NETWORK, and Ron Claasen of the Center of Peacemaking and Conflict Management.

The symposium takes place at Mount St. Mary's College, Doheny Campus, 10 Chester Pl., Los Angeles. Registration is $10 before Jan. 19 and $15 afterwards. Walk-ins welcomed provided there is space. For more information, call the RSHM Provincial Center, (323) 887-8821.

Celebration of Religious Jubilee: Jan. 28
The annual archdiocesan Celebration of Religious Jubilarians takes place Jan. 28 at 3:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. This year 140 religious order priests, brothers and sisters are celebrating jubilees --- 25 to 75 years of religious profession or ordination. Cardinal Roger Mahony, main celebrant, will be joined by several auxiliary bishops. A reception will follow.

The liturgy "is a wonderful celebration of the fidelity and commitment of these women and men," said Notre Dame Sister Anncarla Costello, vicar of the archdiocesan Office for Women Religious.

Cardinal Awards Dinner: Feb. 10
The 18th Annual Cardinal's Award Dinner Feb. 10 will honor five Catholics who have long and distinguished records of service. This year's honorees are Fe Israel Benito, Richard C. Dunn, Anita Finie, Philip M. Hawley and Dr. Steven B. Sample.

Dinner proceeds will benefit San Antonio de Padua Preschool Academy in East Los Angeles. The award's dinner takes place at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Century City. For more information, call (213) 637-7636.

World Day for Consecrated Life: Feb. 11
The World Day for Consecrated Life --- a gathering of religious sisters --- will be celebrated Feb. 11, from 2-5 p.m. at Loyola Marymount University, Malone Building in Los Angeles. All women religious of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles are invited to participate.

The featured speaker is Notre Dame Sister Melannie Svoboda, an author of books on spirituality. The gathering is a time for women religious "to celebrate our lives as religious," said Notre Dame Anncarla Costello, vicar of the archdiocesan Office for Women Religious.

World Marriage Day: Feb. 11
The annual archdiocesan celebration of World Marriage Day, sponsored by the Office of Family Life, takes place Feb. 11 at 3:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Couples celebrating 25, 30, 40, 50 years or more are invited to attend and receive recognition.

"Being able to witness the love and commitment that these couples have for each other is an honor," said Candy Metoyer of the Office of Family Life. "It is a celebration of Christ's love for us, reflected in married love."

About 250 couples and their families are expected to join in the celebration. Each couple will have an opportunity to take their picture with Cardinal Roger Mahony. Couples will receive a commemorative certificate, ribbon, pin and souvenir. The registration fee is $35. Contact Annette Vichot at (213) 637-7228 by Feb. 2 to register.

Religious Education Congress: March 2-4
The annual Los Angeles Religious Education Congress takes place March 2-4 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Sponsored by the archdiocesan Office of Religious Education, the congress draws more than 35,000 participants as well as nationally and internationally recognized speakers on matters of faith, religious education and contemporary moral issues.

"Stand in the Light," the 2007 theme, "nudges us to bask in the incredible radiance of a God whose glory and brightness penetrates everyone, everything and everywhere," said Religious Sister of Charity Edith Prendergast, director of the Office of Religious Education.

Registration is $65. Online registration is available at www. RECongress.org. Registration for Youth Day on March 1 already is closed.