As a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the merger between Loyola University and Marymount College, LMU sponsored this year’s Los Angeles Religious Education Congress from February 15th-18th. The Congress is the largest annual Catholic catechetical conference in the world, and LMU has always had a major presence; but this year, the school saw the gathering as an opportunity to amplify the continuous achievements and works of students, alumni, and faculty for the 50 years that Loyola Marymount University has existed as one.
The College of Communication and Fine Arts had a significant role in the enrichment of the event through singing and dance performances, as well as involvement by faculty and alumni. For John Flaherty, interim director of choral activities, and music director and chair of the Liturgy Committee of the Congress, LMU’s efforts to foster a community of positivity and respect fall in line with that of the Congress’. “Experiences such as the Religious Education Congress help erase or move the margins so that more can live their own dreams within LMU’s circle. This is the essence of that it is when we say, to be people who are with and for others.”
The Congress was a perfect space to reflect the CFA’s values through artistic expression and spirituality: there’s a clear willingness to learn through art at LMU and at the conference. “All of this richness is reflected in the music, dance, concerts, workshops and lectures that take place throughout the weekend of Congress,” said Flaherty.
Jessie Hernandez, an LMU dance major and featured dancer at the Congress, found her participation to be one of the most memorable and spiritual experiences of her life. “I was completely shocked when my dance work-study supervisor told me that the women who run the liturgical dance group, run by LMU Dance alum Monica Luther, were looking for dancers.” The opportunity for Hernandez is just one example of how resources provided by CFA programs, internal or external, help students connect with parts of their identity and spirit that may have otherwise remained hidden. “Getting to rehearse and worship with those amazing women reignited my passion to bring more dance worship into predominantly Catholic spaces.”
As the Congress closed its doors, it was clear that LMU’s sponsorship and the CFA’s involvement were more than just contributions; they were a manifestation of the school’s commitment to unity and inclusivity through art and spirituality. For students like Hernandez, the ability to participate in events like these is more than just an opportunity, it’s “yet another moment in my college experience where God reminded me that LMU is the school I was meant to be at.”
