The Edmonton Archdiocese has reason to celebrate after an extremely successful start to their Nothing More Beautiful series.

The five-year long series is a renewal of Catholic history and celebration of evangelization. The series takes its name from Pope Benedict XVI's proclamation: "there is nothing more beautiful than to be surprised by the Gospel, by the encounter with Christ. There is nothing more beautiful than to know Him and to speak to others of our friendship with him."

Through a series of speakers and witnesses, the series touches on the Catholic tradition while aiming to inspire its audiences into a renewed celebration of Catholicism.

"It is a fundamental call to proclaim the Gospel," says Fr. Stefano Penna, one of the organizers of the Nothing More Beautiful series.

The series originated under the direction of Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith. The Archbishop explains his intentions for the series, saying "my central hope is that all who participate will be led to a life-transforming encounter with Jesus Christ."

Sr. Timothy Prokes (left) and Archbishop Richard Smith (right) speak at the Nothing More Beautiful Series.

Fr. Penna explains further that the concept of Nothing More Beautiful is meant to extend beyond the series and into the entire life of the archdiocese.

"It will influence every organ of Catholic life in the archdiocese," notes Penna.

Archbishop Smith adds to this saying, "My prayer is that this encounter will spur all of us to proclaim the Gospel with new ardour to our society."

Over the next five years the series will explore the following yearly themes: the beauty of the human person; the beauty of Christ Jesus; the beauty of the Church; the beauty of a life of holiness; the beauty of justice.

Thus far the series has met with overwhelming success. Audiences have packed into Edmonton`s St. Joseph`s Basilica to hear talks from Archbishop Richard Smith and Lea Singh on "In the Image and Likeness of God" and from Sr. Timothy Prokes and Michael and Teresa Ferri on "The Human Body in God's Creative Design."

Fr. Stefano Penna (left) and Lea Singh (above) address the crowds gathered at St. Joseph's Basilica.

This year's series concludes with a lecture on "Our New Life in Jesus Christ" on April 30 featuring guest speakers Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Denver and Mary Rose Bacani, Producer of Salt & Light Television. And on May 21 with a lecture on "Towards a New Culture of Life" featuring guest speakers Bishop John Corriveau, Nelson, and Patrick Stewart, Director of the Marian Centre. Events begin at 7pm and are held at Edmonton's St. Joseph's Basilica.

For more information on the Nothing More Beautiful series contact the Edmonton Archdiocese.