Thousands encouraged to embrace 'God's transforming light'

Published: 2007-03-07

ANAHEIM, Calif. (CNS) -- The transformational power of God's light in individual lives, communities and the world was the theme weaving through scores of workshops, inspiring music, films and multicultural liturgies at the 40th anniversary gathering of the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress in Anaheim. March 1 was an all-day youth event that kicked off the March 2-4 congress. "We come today ready to stand afresh in God's light," said Sister Edith Prendergast, a Religious Sister of Charity who is director of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles' religious education office. "Much like in a theater as the play begins, the house lights are dimmed and a very strong light is centered onstage calling all attention to one central focus. Today the spotlight is on God, who is light," she said during the opening rite and welcome. The theme of "Stand in the Light" was carried throughout the congress, which broke previous attendance records, topping more than 40,000 participants, including nearly 15,500 youths and young people for Youth Day. Attendees came not just from California but from around the U.S. and several other countries.

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