Beholding the Glory of God
Learning to Taste and See the Eucharist
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw his glory.”
On Mount Tabor, Peter, James, and John were given a glimpse of the glory of God shining in the face of Jesus Christ. They saw the Lord transfigured before them—the same Jesus whom they had followed, now revealed in the glory that was His from eternity.
In the Holy Eucharist, that same Lord is truly present among us. The glory revealed on Mount Tabor is not merely something the apostles witnessed in the past. Christ continues to give Himself to His Church, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, under the appearances of bread and wine.
The Psalmist’s invitation to “taste and see that the Lord is good” takes on a profound meaning in the Eucharist. We are invited not simply to learn about Christ, but to encounter Him—to receive Him, adore Him, and be transformed by His presence.
The 2027 Sacred Liturgy Conference will explore this mystery through the theme “Beholding the Glory of God: Learning to Taste and See the Eucharist.” Through Scripture, theology, philosophy, sacred music, sacred art, and the celebration of the Holy Mass, we will consider the glory of God revealed in Christ and given to us in the Eucharist.
Speakers and Topics
The Sacred Liturgy Conference is an immersion in the Truth, Goodness, and Beauty of the Catholic faith, bringing forth deeper knowledge, understanding, and love for the Person of Jesus Christ and for His gift of the Sacred Liturgy.
At this year’s conference, His Excellency Bishop Thomas J. Hennen, Bishop of Baker, will give the keynote address, “It Is Good That We Are Here: The Glory of the Liturgy and the Mission of the Church.” Our special guest, Bishop Daniel H. Mueggenborg, Bishop of Reno, will speak on “The Glory of God from a Biblical Theological Perspective.”
Scripture scholars, moral theologians, Thomistic scholars, musicians, artists, and pastors will explore a wide range of topics, including the revelation of God’s glory throughout salvation history, the human person’s natural inclination to worship God, the formation of reason to receive supernatural truth, classical education, the deification and transfiguration of the human person, and the transformation of parish life through truth and beauty.
Gregorian Chant Workshop
A preconference workshop will offer an opportunity to learn Gregorian chant in a way that can be brought home and shared in your parish. The workshop will be led by Dr. Lynne Bissonnette‑Pitre, Director of Schola Cantus Angelorum, who has taught Gregorian chant since 2007. Dominican musician and former professional drummer Fr. Brad Elliott, OP, will co-teach the workshop. More about the workshop →
Photo: Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives / CC BY 4.0 · sky edited
Bend, Oregon
Bend is a popular summer destination in Oregon’s High Desert, situated along the Deschutes River at the foot of the Central Cascade Mountains. Mount Bachelor and the Three Sisters provide a striking backdrop to the city.
The Oxford Hotel and Historic St. Francis of Assisi Church are located in the heart of downtown Bend, within easy reach of the Deschutes River, Mirror Pond, Drake Park, and the Old Mill District. The area offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and opportunities to enjoy the river and surrounding landscape.
Summer is a particularly popular time to visit Bend, so we encourage attendees to make their accommodations early. Special conference rates have been arranged at the Oxford Hotel, the Newberry Hotel, and Riverhouse Lodge, which offers guest rooms along the Deschutes River.