SCRANTON, PA- April 23, 2008.

Dance, worship, and music are some of the themes expressed in Sacred Rituals: A Journey of Celebrations, an original documentary film by Dr. Douglas Lawrence, Marywood University assistant professor and chair of the communication arts department.

The 60-minute film, which took about three years to complete, explores the use of culture in the celebration of interfaith secular worship. With emphasis on music, dance and song, the documentary highlights meaningful ceremonies from these religions: Afro-Centric, Buddhism, Catholicism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Native American.

"It was a true journey of celebrations as I witnessed so many cultures expressing their inner voices," Dr. Lawrence says of his experience in making the film.

Dr. Lawrence has been a member of the Marywood University communications arts department for more than seven years as an assistant professor, advisor, chair of the graduate program, director of the digital media program and, most recently, as the department chair. He has published several books including, Communication Skills for Health Professions and Waterworks: water therapies for health and fitness.

An accomplished musician, composer and producer, Dr. Lawrence has appeared in numerous jazz festivals and was nominated this year for a Grammy award. Recently, he composed the alma mater for Holy Cross High School with Sr. Joan McCusker, a member of Marywood University's music faculty.

Dr. Lawrence received his bachelor of arts degree from Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio; his master of arts from Marywood University, Scranton; and his doctorate from The Union University, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Sacred Rituals: A Journey of Celebrations was shown during a private screening at Marywood University on April 18 and will be shown on Marywood TVM, channel 62, in fall 2008. It is currently available for purchase. For more information on viewing or purchasing Sacred Rituals: A Journey of Celebrations, go to Brightdayint.com or e-mail Brightday@comcast.net.