Sophomore music major Alexis Santos-Alvarado said he was inspired this weekend when he attended the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress 2023 that took place Feb. 23-26. This four-day event, themed “Embrace Grace” and held at Anaheim Convention Center, is the largest annual Catholic gathering of its kind in the world. Loyola Marymount University staff, faculty members, and students were part of the first fully in-person congress since 2022, due to the pandemic. More than 20,000 attendees had time to pray, shop, learn, and worship.
Santos-Alvarado was moved to hear LMU theology professor Kim Harris’ song, “Embrace Grace” at the opening celebration. “Professor Harris really did a great job explaining that we find grace through God and his Word, and when we embrace that grace, we can be grace for others.” Harris, who was commissioned to write the theme song for congress, turned to Scripture to her inspiration. “I am indeed honored that I was chosen and commissioned to write the theme song for this year’s congress,” said Harris. To go inside the making of the 2023 theme song, click here as Harris shares what inspired her throughout the process.
Congress beings together Catholics from across the globe, and thousands were reinvigorated by the experience. “Congress is such a diverse gathering. I love it that we sing in different languages, with the most prevalent being English, Spanish, and Vietnamese,” said Harris.
Santos-Alvarado has been attending congress for the past five years. It is the event he looks most looks forward to every year. “It has helped me become the person I am today … spiritually, morally, and professionally.”
Congress, sponsored by the Office of Religious Education and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, was started in 1956 as an institute for religious education teachers. Since then, congress is a dynamic gathering of the global church, welcoming all to meet Jesus through connection, learning, and worship. Congress inspires, transforms, and send us out to spread the joy of the Gospel, to be a voice for justice and to serve the needs of the world.
