Southwest Liturgical Conference 64th Study Week Held in the Heart of Santa Fe

By Staff, February 21, 2026

The Southwest Liturgical Conference gathered in Santa Fe for its 64th Annual Study Week, between February 10-13, 2026, at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Drury Plaza Hotel.

This year’s theme “Praise to You, Christ our Hope! Through Diverse Ministries Rebuilding Our Church,” the Study Week drew from the pastoral vision of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and the wisdom of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of the Cathedral Basilica of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.

The week began with an opening keynote from Most Rev. John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe, who set a clear and pastoral tone for the event. In his message, Archbishop Wester called the Church to deeper unity in Christ through the rites and sacramental life of the Catholic Church. He invited all the faithful to take an active role in the faith of the Church, reminding participants that the liturgy belongs to the whole people of God and calls each person to full, conscious, and active participation.

Archbishop Wester’s Keynote Address

Keynote presenters also included Carmen Flórez-Mansi, Director of Music at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi; Ken Griesemer of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission of Santa Fe and the Association for Consultants for Liturgical Space; and Dr. Dolores Martínez of the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

More than 35 workshops were offered throughout the week, addressing topics such as inclusion of people of all abilities in liturgy, the revised Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, liturgical art and architecture, catechesis, and pastoral practice.

The Study Week also provided a time for shared prayer and communion in the Holy Spirit. Daily liturgies, moments of reflection, and fellowship among participants highlighted the communal nature of the Church’s worship and mission.

The Southwest Liturgical Conference (SWLC) is a Catholic Organization responding to the Holy Spirit’s call to foster authentically inclusive celebrations where each person experiences an encounter with Christ in full and active participation in the liturgy. These encounters will result in on-going formation, development of future leaders in our parishes and communities, and communal transformation.