Workshops to Explore Meditative Traditions of Major Faiths
The meditative traditions of major religions will be explored in weeklong workshops beginning Friday in Sierra Madre during the 2000 General Assembly of the Assn. of Contemplative Sisters.
Each workshop will explore a different mystical tradition. They are: Western contemplation and St. John of the Cross, with Sister Constance Fitzgerald; Buddhist meditation, Sister Mary Jo Meadow; Jewish spirituality and cabala meditation, Sandy Butler; Hindu meditation and ashrams, Sister Pascaline Coff and Judy Walters; and Sufi prayer, Leili Kaye First.
Other events will include a keynote address by Carmelite Sister Angele Sadlier on “Women’s Contemplative Prayer: East and West.” A launching of the book “The Lay Contemplative: Testimonies, Perspectives, Resources” will take place July 10 at 1 p.m.
The events will be held at the Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, 700 N. Sunnyside Ave., Sierra Madre. Fee for all events is $400. (661) 242-3505.
EVENTS
St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Catholic Church will celebrate Independence Day with a 10 a.m. worship service Sunday featuring a fife and drum corps, a color guard of veterans and choir offerings of patriotic music. The church is at 22601 Lassen St. in Chatsworth. Veterans are asked to wear their service caps. A catered luncheon will follow. (818) 341-3053.
* His Grace Bishop Joseph, the titular bishop of Katana (Syria), will visit St. John the Theologian Antiochian Orthodox Church today and Sunday. He will celebrate Great Vespers today at 5:30 p.m., followed by a teaching; and celebrate the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday at 8:45 a.m., followed by a luncheon. The church is at 32244 Paseo Adelanto in San Juan Capistrano. (949) 240-7376.
* Founders Church of Religious Science will offer a tribute to music of African Americans on Friday at 8 p.m. at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. The Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers and the 50-voice Founders Cathedral Choir will perform African American compositions, including spirituals and gospel music. Tickets are $25. (323) 461-3673.
* A Christian community night of song and dance will feature Kendall Payne, Blyss, George Rowe and others today at 7:30 p.m. at Calvary Community Church of Thousand Oaks. Admission is free but a $10 donation is requested to benefit School on Wheels, a charity that provides education to homeless children. (818) 908-3596.
JAPANESE OBON
Annual Obon festivities, celebrating Buddhism and Japanese culture with folk dancing, food and games, will begin next week at several temples around the Southland. The Obon tradition stems from a story involving the mother of one of the Buddha’s closest disciples: A life of self-centeredness had trapped her in a hellish realm. The Buddha advised his associate, Mokuren, to throw a feast and, when the woman was released from her agonies, the whole community celebrated by dancing. Some Buddhists also welcome their ancestral spirits back home for days of feasting during the Obon season.
* West Covina Buddhist Temple, 1203 W. Puente Ave., will celebrate Obon today from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Folk dancing, martial arts, taiko drumming, Japanese food and cultural exhibitions will be offered. (626) 913-0622.
* Nishi Hongwanji Temple, 815 E. 1st St. in Little Tokyo, will also mark Obon on July 8 and 9, beginning at 2 p.m. with dancing, game and food booths, sales of bonsai and flowers, displays of Japanese cultural arts and demonstrations of martial arts and musical performances. Dancing begins at 7 p.m. July 8 and at 6 p.m. July 9. Religious services will be held at 1:30 p.m.
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