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Montreal, November 25, 2024 — A diverse gathering of Bahá’ís and their friends, including many children, came together at the Montreal Bahá’í Centre to celebrate the Day of the Covenant and the 19 Days Feast of Masá’il (Questions). This joyful event brought participants from various neighborhoods across the island, fostering a spirit of unity and shared purpose on such a significant occasion.

The consultation during the Feast was dynamic and thoughtfully structured, dividing attendees into groups to reflect on the role each individual plays in supporting the Bahá’í administrative institutions. It was emphasized that the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh is a unique feature in religious history, representing a divinely ordained mechanism that safeguards both the unity and integrity of the Bahá’í Faith. The Covenant serves as the foundation for a vibrant global community, fostering universal fellowship and providing a framework for spiritual, social, and administrative development.

Described as "the axis of the oneness of humanity," the Covenant illuminates and educates hearts and minds, operating as a guiding principle for unity and collaboration across the world.

A highlight of the evening was the children’s program and the sharing of Bahá’í writings, but most moving was a story recounted by Ilona about Emeric Sala, her father’s elder brother and an early Bahá’í in Montreal. Emeric’s story centered on his 1937 pilgrimage to Haifa, where he met Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith.

Emeric recalled an intimate and transformative conversation with the Guardian, who asked him a question about the continuity of authority in the Bahá’í Faith after the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Despite being an active Bahá’í for ten years, Emeric struggled to answer correctly. The Guardian explained that the authority of the Faith lies in the "World Order of Bahá’u’lláh," as outlined in The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, which emphasizes the interdependence of the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice as twin pillars of Bahá’u’lláh’s vision.

Emeric later reflected on the profound significance of the Guardian’s question, which revealed Shoghi Effendi’s farsighted vision of the Faith’s future. While Shoghi Effendi was a central figure during his ministry, he emphasized that the ultimate authority rests in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh—a system designed to guide humanity through the ages.

Over the decades, Emeric shared this lesson widely, finding that many others, like himself, initially failed to grasp the Guardian’s meaning. Yet, his understanding deepened over time, appreciating the Guardian’s tireless efforts to lay the foundation for the Bahá’í Administrative Order and ensure the Faith’s continued growth.

Emeric concluded his reflections with a heartfelt tribute to Shoghi Effendi:

With the passing of time, as the Bahá’í Faith gathers momentum in all corners of the world, the stature of Shoghi Effendi, our youthful Guardian, will increasingly be recognized. His unfailing vision led us through the transitional period from the Order of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the embryonic stage of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, cementing his legacy as the champion-builder of this divinely inspired system.”

The evening left participants inspired and uplifted, reminded of the profound heritage of the Bahá’í Faith and the enduring guidance of its institutions.

Montreal, November 2, 2024 - Believers and friends in the various neighbourhoods of Montreal as well as the  Bahá'ís around the world celebrated these two joyous events on November first and second this year. These two celebrations are intimately linked because the life and the message of the Báb are centred on the imminent appearance of another divine messenger: Bahá'u'lláh. 

Each year, the anniversaries of the birth of the Báb and that of Bahá'u'lláh are observed as twin holy days, since they followed each other within a day, according to the calendar in use in Persia at that time. 

The life and teachings of the Báb mark a turning point in human history. Born Siyyid Ali-Muhammad in 1819, he took the name Báb, which means "the Gate" in Arabic. His public mission, from 1844 to 1850, represented a spiritual revolution that overturned the prevailing social, political, and religious order in Persia, opening the door to the new unifying vision of Bahá'u'lláh.

The Báb was a messenger of God in the succession of divine teachers who have come down through the centuries, including Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus and Muhammad. The Báb appeared at a time in history when the cultures and peoples of the world were coming together as never before. The nineteenth century witnessed a series of changes in the economic, political, scientific, and cultural spheres so profound that one prominent historian has called it the century of "world transformation."

When he was only 25 years old, the Báb heralded the end of one religious era and the beginning of another. He inaugurated an independent religion with its own laws and sacred texts, including the Persian Bayán. In a short time, he attracted thousands of followers among the Persians. His public mission, which lasted only six short years, had far-reaching consequences.

On such occasions, it is customary to take a retrospective look at Bahá’u’lláh's life and work. The highlights of this retrospective focus on the major moments in Bahá’u’lláh's life - his birth on November 12, 1817 in Tehran, his life as a young prince before he took over the leadership of the Bábi movement, and the four-decade-long road of exile, imprisonment, and persecution, during which he revealed himself to his followers as the promised one foretold by the scriptures.

Bahá’u’lláh was born in Tehran on November 12, 1817, into a wealthy and distinguished family, a descendant of the Sassanid dynasty (a Persian dynasty, originally from Fars, which at the time constituted a vast empire stretching from Persia to Mesopotamia).

Although he did not attend any school, he showed astonishing wisdom and knowledge from his childhood. At the age of 13 he was clarifying religious questions that were totally obscure to the theologians of his time.

When he was 22, his father died. He was offered the high position at court that was customary in those days. He refused this honour and devoted himself to the poor and needy of society.

The Prime Minister of the time said that he could not understand him, but that he was destined for some high mission.

In 1844, at the age of 27, Bahá’u’lláh boldly embraced the new faith proclaimed by the Báb. It is noteworthy that these two great educators, though living at the same time, never met.

After imprisonment and banishment, Bahá’u’lláh openly announced his prophetic mission in 1863 in Baghdad. During his exile, Bahá’u’lláh wrote, dictating day and night, writings, tablets and prayers, keeping several secretaries busy transcribing everything.

Bahá’u’lláh ended his life in the Holy Land having bequeathed to humanity a new spiritual revelation. His life, work, and influence are comparable to those of the great messengers of God, such as Abraham, Krishna, Moses, Buddha, Christ, and Muhammad. For Bahá'ís, Bahá’u’lláh is the last of the messengers of God in this succession.

Montreal, June 7, 2024- CEGEP Vanier was host to a community gathering organized by the junior youth in Saint-Laurent neighbourhood.

The gathering consisted of presentations made by members of the junior youth group, based on what they were learning in their studies together, as well as some music. Members of The group also presented its mission statement for those who were unfamiliar with what a junior youth group is or does.

Parents, family, and friends, as well as wider community members listened with admiration to the presentations and took part in singing and music. A variety of subjects such as Protection and preservation of nature, Secret of success in one’s life, Service to family and neighbourhood, Truthfulness of Speech and Generosity were but a few of those presentations made in both languages.

Many parents brought refreshments to cover all the desks and they made sure everyone received a portion! As refreshments being served, the young participants sat with parents and visitors in several workshop to hear their elders to share their thoughts with them in relation to the subjects were presented. The conversation was lively and more important of all they were very encouraging and supporting of the project.

This training project started some two years ago by few enthusiasts from other Montreal neighbourhoods and at the moment consists of a group of 12 junior youths who gather weekly in one of the class rooms at Vanier College, study and discuss a number of Virtues related principles and try to put them into practice through their behaviours in their daily lives.

The Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Programme is a global movement inspiring young people, parents, and community members to work together toward a better world. Over the past 10 years, the programme has grown all over Canada from being supported by a small group of youth to include over a few hundred young people. 

The programme is not religious in nature, and does not instruct participants in faith-based laws or teachings. It does use profound and universal moral standards to inspire them to take charge of their own development and contribute to the progress of their communities. The materials the programme uses are filled with moral concepts inspired by Bahá'í principles, such as seeking hope in times of despair and striving for excellence in all things. 

Montreal, October 20, 2024 – Volunteer recognition has been celebrated in Saint-Laurent for 27 years! This year, the borough invited over 400 volunteers to a recognition brunch on Sunday, October 20. Hosted by the Borough Mayor, Alan DeSousa (Vice President responsible for sustainable development, environment, parks, and green spaces), along with city councillors, six members of the Bahá’í Community were also among the guests. During the event, a slideshow highlighted the achievements of local organizations as well as those of the Bahá’í community.

This brunch was a wonderful opportunity to renew the bonds of friendship that the Bahá’í Community of Saint-Laurent has cultivated with the residents of the borough for over 25 years. Among the many volunteers involved in various projects, several come from the Bahá’í Community of Montreal. For instance, Raymond Flournoy (1924-2015) dedicated 24 years of his retirement to volunteering at Saint-Mary's Hospital in Montreal. Other members have contributed as teachers, patient attendants, music instructors, sports team captains, and even within the Canadian Armed Forces.

Saint-Laurent, known for its diversity, with over 66 ethnic groups and nearly 100 languages and dialects spoken, is a natural hub for volunteerism. The members of the Bahá’í Community have been actively involved in these activities for more than three decades. One of the first notable volunteers in the neighbourhood was Suzanne Prud’homme (1933-2020), who dedicated her entire retirement to working in Place Benoît, a district distinguished by its remarkable ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity. Suzanne managed food and clothing distribution for 15 years for the residents of this community.

Other Bahá’í Community members are involved in various non-profit organizations in the borough, such as CARI Saint-Laurent, the Centre d'Encadrement pour Jeunes Femmes Immigrantes (CEJFI), the Social Organizations Committee of Saint-Laurent (COSSL), the Cégep de Saint-Laurent, the YMCA, the Maison des Parents de Bordeaux-Cartierville, and the Action Volunteer Center (ABC).

The Saint-Laurent administration has always highly valued the tireless work of volunteers, whose contributions greatly enhance the quality of life enjoyed by the borough's residents.

Montreal, May 28, 2024 - Friends from Saint-Laurent, Côte Saint-Luc, NDG, Outremont, Mascouche and French Guyana neighbourhoods gathered to commemorate the ascension of God's universal Messenger at dawn of this memorable morning! The immortal soul of God's Manifestation, Bahá'u'lláh, took flight for the eternal Kingdom at dawn on May 28, 1892, eight hours after sunset.

Nine months before His ascension Bahá’u’lláh, as attested by Abdu'l-Bahá, had voiced His desire to depart from this world. From that time onward it became increasingly evident, from the tone of His remarks to those who attained His presence, that the close of His earthly life was approaching, though He refrained from mentioning it openly to anyone. On the night preceding May 8, 1892, He contracted a slight fever which, though it mounted the following day, soon after subsided. He continued to grant interviews to certain of the friends and pilgrims, but it soon became evident that He was not well. His fever returned in a more acute form than before, His general condition grew steadily worse, complications ensued which at last culminated in His ascension, at the hour of dawn, on May 29, 1892, eight hours after sunset, in the 75th year of His age. His spirit, at long last released from the toils of a life crowded with tribulations, had winged its flight to His "other dominions," dominions "whereon the eyes of the people of names have never fallen." 

Bahá’u’lláh was accordingly laid to rest in the northernmost room of the house which served as a dwelling-place for His son-in-law, the most northerly of the three houses lying to the west of, and adjacent to, the Mansion. His interment took place shortly after sunset, on the very day of His ascension. 

With the ascension of Bahá’u’lláh draws to a close a period which, in many ways, is unparalleled in the world's religious history. The first century of the Baha'i Era had by now run half its course. An epoch, unsurpassed in its sublimity, its fecundity and duration by any previous Dispensation, and characterized, except for a short interval of three years, by half a century of continuous and progressive Revelation, had terminated. The Message proclaimed by the Bab had yielded its golden fruit. The most momentous, though not the most spectacular phase of the Heroic Age had ended. The Sun of Truth, the world's greatest Luminary, had risen in the Siyah-Chal (subterranean black pit prison) of Tihran, had broken through the clouds which enveloped it in Baghdad, had suffered a momentary eclipse whilst mounting to its zenith in Adrianople and had set finally in Akka, never to reappear ere the lapse of a full millennium.

An ocular witness writes:

Outwardly He was a Prisoner, condemned and wronged, but in reality, He was the Sun of Glory, the Manifestation of grandeur and majesty, the King of the Kingdom of poise and dignity. Although He showed much compassion and loving-kindness, and approached anyone who came to His presence with tender care and humbleness, and often used to make humorous remarks to put them at ease, yet in spite of these, no one, whether faithful or disbelieving, learned or unlettered, wise or foolish, was able to utter ten words in His presence in the usual everyday manner. Indeed, many would find themselves to be tremulous with an impediment in their speech.​

Photo: Courtesy of BWC Archives - Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh, Bahji, 'Akká, 1952

Réferences:

- God Passes By, Shoghi Effendi

- Haji Mirza Heydar Ali, quoted in Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh

Montreal, September 23, 2024 — Despite heavy rain, many citizens of Saint-Laurent gathered to celebrate the International Day of Peace at Beaudet Park, also known as the "Park of Peace" since 1992.

In a warm, friendly, and respectful atmosphere, this memorable day was celebrated in the presence of elected officials, including Mayor Alan DeSousa and members of the Borough Council, the MP for Acadie, and representatives of the provincial deputy of Saint-Laurent. Also present were ten representatives from the borough's institutions and community organizations, the Saint-Laurent Intercultural Committee of COSSL (Saint-Laurent Social Organizations Committee), the Bahá'í Community of Montreal, and many distinguished guests.

As in Saint-Laurent, this day is celebrated annually worldwide. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed this day to strengthen the ideals of peace among all nations and peoples.

Students from Saint-Laurent schools participate in large numbers in this celebration each year. In her speech, filled with love and unity, Gigi Vidal, representing the Saint-Laurent Intercultural Committee and the Bahá'í Community of Montreal, praised the youth:

“Youth, you are our peace builders and ambassadors! Together, you can change the world! You have the power to positively influence your surroundings. Bravo for your touching messages of commitment to peace! We will continue to support you,” she said.

Let’s celebrate our Unity and Diversity. “World peace is not only possible; it is inevitable. The well-being of humanity, its peace and security, can only be achieved if its unity is firmly established.”

Alan DeSousa, for whom the themes of peace, community safety, and a green and sustainable economy are dear, emphasized the importance "of starting with simple actions, such as maintaining good relations with our neighbors, keeping our streets clean, or offering help to an elderly person in our neighborhood."

In tribute to all citizens, he referenced the text inscribed on the park monument on September 22, 1996: “May the long-lasting peaceful coexistence and harmony that animate our community inspire future generations and remain a model of tolerance and friendship for all people of the earth.”

The theme of the 2024 International Day of Peace is "Promoting a Culture of Peace." We invite you to join the United Nations' efforts to build a more just and peaceful world. Let’s celebrate peace by fighting acts of hate, including online hate, and spreading compassion, kindness, and hope to overcome obstacles and build peace together!

All those who contributed to the success of this ceremony were warmly thanked for their commitment and support for promoting peace: the youth of Centre Bon Courage Place Benoît for their dances, the students of École Internationale des Apprenants for their poems and testimonies, the testimony of a young asylum seeker, the Lions Club for their Peace Poster Contest, the Universal Peace Federation for their Peace Road activity, and the musical performance by Jacques Proulx and Marguerite Bilodeau.

Montreal, May 23 2024 – In neighbourhoods as well as throughout the world, the Bahá’ís and their friends celebrated this auspicious occasion, which is the declaration of the Báb, the Herald of the Bahá’í Dispensation, with joy and happiness!

In Saint-Laurent neighbourhood a celebration gathering took place via videoconference with participation of a great number of friends including friends from “Coeur de l’Est”, Anjou, Mount Royal, Côte Saint-Luc and several surrounding communities in Quebec. A befitting program portraying the event of that memorable night, 181 years ago, which took place in the upper chamber of a modest house in an obscure corner of the city of Shiraz in southern Iran, was presented!

Shoghi Effendi, the late Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, writes in a letter addressed to the Bahá’í Community of India that “The believers must hold gatherings for the Bahá'ís at exactly 2 hours and 11 minutes after sunset on May 22nd, 1944* as this is the exact time when The Báb declared His Mission to Mulla Hussayn. They should also arrange to hold public gatherings on May 23rd and enlist the support of prominent friends of the Faith as speakers, together with Bahá'í speakers, on that occasion. They should, as far as possible, hold festive gatherings at this time, give banquets at which friends of the Cause and believers are present, obtain as much space in the press of India as possible, and in general devise ways and means of making this a glorious and memorable celebration.”1

In the “Tablet of visitation” revealed by the author of the Bahá’í Faith and it is recited during such events, He affirms: “I testify, moreover, that with but a movement of Thy Pen Thine injunction “Be Thou” hath been enforced, and God’s hidden Secret hath been divulged, and all created things have been called into being, and all the Revelations have been sent down.”2

The event of that memorable night of May 23, was indeed a “trail-breakers of the New Day, … to so much intrigue, ignorance, depravity, cruelty, superstition and cowardice opposed a spirit exalted, unquenchable and awe-inspiring, a knowledge surprisingly profound, an eloquence sweeping in its force, a piety unexcelled in fervor, a courage leonine in its fierceness, a self-abnegation saintly in its purity, a resolve granite-like in its firmness, a vision stupendous in its range, … a standard of faith and a code of conduct that challenged and revolutionized the lives of their countrymen.”3

The year of the Báb’s declaration in 1844 is the beginning of the Bahá’í calendar, known as the Badí‘ calendar, confirmed and adopted by Bahá’u’lláh.

“The adoption of a new calendar in each dispensation is a symbol of the power of Divine Revelation to reshape human perception of material, social, and spiritual reality. Through it, sacred moments are distinguished, humanity’s place in time and space reimagined, and the rhythm of life recast.”4

With this historic Declaration the dawn of an Age that signalizes the consummation of all ages had broken.

 

* In the current year 2024, the date was May 23.

Photo: Golgasht Mossafai - courtyard of the Friday mosque in Shiráz where the Báb used to pray.

Sources: 

  1. Shoghi Effendi, LETTERS ADDRESSED TO THE N.S.A. OF INDIA, June 22, 1943
  2. Bahá’u’lláh, Tablet of Visitation
  3. Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By
  4. The Universal House of Justice

Montreal, August 19, 2024 - One of the particularity of the World Bahá’í Community is a celebration called “19 Day Feast”! 

The above mentioned Feast correspond to the Bahá’í Calendar which divides the year into 19 months of 19 days! The five remaining days to complete the solar year are called the “Intercalary days”, located Just before the 19th month.

On August 19, nine neighbourhoods in Montreal have celebrated the occasion with utmost joy and gratitude!

The vision of Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Montreal has always been focussed on community building and one of its major plan this year:

“What is required to further extend the process of community building and effect profound social transformation” 

To achieve this goal, the Assembly is ‘striving to strengthen the 19 Day Feast space, such that it can be the rhythmic pulse where understanding is both gathered and shared liberally, all in a joyous and spiritual atmosphere’. 

To appreciate further the role of the 19 Day Feast in the community we read Bahá’u'lláh, in His Holy Book "The Kitáb-i-Aqdas" referring to the 19 Day Feast in following terms:

Verily, it is enjoined upon you to offer a feast, once in every month, though only water be served; for God hath purposed to bind hearts together, albeit through both earthly and heavenly means.

'Abdu'l-Bahá, in a Tablet addressed to an individual believer says:

This festivity, which is held on a day of the nineteen-day month, was established by His Holiness the Báb, and the Blessed Beauty directed (Bahá’u’lláh), confirmed and warmly encouraged the holding of it. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance. You should unquestionably see to it with the greatest care, and make its value known, so that it may become solidly established on a permanent basis. Let the beloved of God gather together and associate most lovingly and spiritually and happily with one another, conducting themselves with the greatest courtesy and self-restraint. Let them read the holy verses, as well as essays which are of benefit, and the letters of `Abdu'l-Bahá; encourage and inspire one another to love each and all; chant the prayers with serenity and joy; give eloquent talks, and praise the matchless Lord.
The host, with complete self-effacement, showing kindness to all, must be a comfort to each one, and serve the friends with his own hands.
If the Feast is befittingly held, in the manner described, then this supper will verily be the Lord's Supper, for its fruits will be the very fruits of that Supper, and its influence the same.

In another of his writings, `Abdu'l-Bahá refers to the Feast:

As to the Nineteen Day Feast, it rejoiceth mind and heart. If this feast be held in the proper fashion, the friends will, once in nineteen days, find themselves spiritually restored, and endued with a power that is not of this world.

In a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, the importance of children assisting the Feast is emphasized:

Since children of Bahá'í parents are considered to be Bahá'ís, they are to be encouraged to attend all Feasts, there to share the reading of the Writings and prayers and be bathed in the spirit of the community. It is the hope of the House of Justice that every Feast will be a feast of love when the children will give and receive the tangible affection of the community and its individual members.

The most important part of the Feast is ‘Consultation’! It is considered as the heart of the Feast!

The chief opportunity which the friends have for discussion on administrative questions is during the Nineteen Day Feasts, at which time the members of the Assembly can meet with the body of the believers and discuss in common the affairs of the Cause, and suggest new policies and methods.

(In a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 27 March 1938 to an individual believer)

It is not only the right, but the vital responsibility of every loyal and intelligent member of the Community to offer fully and frankly, but with due respect and consideration to the authority of the Assembly, any suggestion, recommendation or criticism he conscientiously feels he should in order to improve and remedy certain existing conditions or trends in his local Community, and it is the duty of the Assembly also to give careful consideration to any such views submitted to them by any one of the believers. The best occasion chosen for this purpose is the Nineteen Day Feast, which, besides its social and spiritual aspects, fulfils various administrative needs and requirements of the Community, chief among them being the need for open and constructive criticism and deliberation regarding the state of affairs within the local Bahá'í Community.

(In a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 13 December 1939 to an individual believer)

Every individual member of the community, therefore, has the responsibility to attend and support this Institution, to take an active part in community building process and be a standard bearer of ‘unity in diversity’!

Photos : Celebration of the 19 Day Feast in various Montreal neighbourhood

* All quotations are from Nineteen Day Feast Compilation

Montreal, September 21, 2023 - In a musical atmosphere and under a blue sky, the traditional ceremony for the International Day of Peace took place in Saint-Laurent at Beaudet Park, also known as "Peace Park." ! Every year, this ceremony brings together elected officials, including members of the Saint-Laurent Borough Council, a dozen representatives of the borough's professional and community organizations, the Saint-Laurent Intercultural Committee and several students representing Saint-Laurent schools.

This annual event is organized in partnership with the Borough of Saint-Laurent, the Comité interculturel de Saint-Laurent of the COSSL (Comité des organismes sociaux de Saint-Laurent) and the Communauté bahá'íe de Montréal.

This year's theme "Action for Peace: Our Ambitions for the Global Goals" is a call to action that recognizes our individual and collective responsibility to promote peace, to create a culture of peace and to lead the way for the well-being of humanity now and in the future.

Gigi Vidal, representing the Comité interculturel de Saint-Laurent, quoted the words of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who declared: "Peace is needed today more than ever. War and conflict cause devastation, poverty and hunger, and drive tens of millions of people from their homes. Climate chaos is everywhere,  and even peaceful countries are plagued by inequality and political polarization. We invite you to act for peace; fight inequality, take action on climate change, promote prosperity while protecting the planet, and promote and protect human rights.""Together, we can help lead our world to a greener, fairer, more just and safer future for all."

She concluded by saying that "world peace is not only possible but inevitable" and that we must work to achieve Unity in Diversity and social justice.

Aref Salem, of Saint-Laurent Borough Council, City Councillor and Leader of the Official Opposition, for whom the theme of peace and community safety is very dear, spoke of the importance of building together a healthy planet where we live in harmony with others. How privileged we are to be able to gather together in our Parc de la Paix to celebrate the peace and harmony that has reigned here in Saint-Laurent for so many years!

The president of the Universal Peace Federation presented their annual "Road to Peace" activity and extended an invitation to participate in this year's event. The Lions Club representative presented their annual "Peace Poster Contest."

The presence and performances of youngsters from the Centre communautaire Bon Courage Place Benoît (testimonials, slams, dances) and from the École internationale des Apprenants (very touching messages on peace, poem, drawings) were warmly welcomed and applauded. Three visual arts students from the Cégep de Saint-Laurent created a beautiful collaborative mural on the theme of the day. All these young people, so committed to peace, demonstrated through their talents that they are our peace-builders and ambassadors! Together, they can change the world!

As every year, a minute's silence was observed in memory of the victims of conflict and war.

The ceremony ended in a jovial, fraternal and cordial atmosphere, accompanied by the music of Jacques Proulx, who created a warm atmosphere with his professional skill that delighted our hearts!

Montreal, Saturday, June 15, 2024 - Education in partnership with our communities is an essential approach to strengthening the social fabric and promoting sustainable development. With this in mind, the recent Montreal event brought together 250 people, including parents and children, to reflect on how Bahá'í principles can enrich our local educational initiatives.

The day began with an inaugural session highlighting the crucial importance of education in our communities, quoting Bahá'u'lláh's enlightening words: 

"Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom."

This passage from Lawh-i-Maqsúd, quoted in Bahá'u'lláh's Tablets, provided the basis for the enriching discussions that followed.

The participants were divided into twelve workshops, where they exchanged ideas on how to strengthen their capacity to serve their respective communities. Young people, aged between 11 and 14, also played an active role in these exchanges, underlining the importance of their involvement in community development.

This conference not only continued previous years' reflections on unity and collective action, but also highlighted the Training Institute as a vital tool for empowering local communities. By integrating Bahá'u'lláh's teachings with concrete educational practices, this approach fosters harmonious and sustainable development, both material and spiritual.

Spiritual education was a recurring theme throughout the day, recalling the rich heritage of Bahá'í communities in promoting learning and education from their inception in Iran to their expansion in India and beyond. Today, with over fifty-six thousand students in Baha'i schools in India, this commitment continues to bear fruit in shaping the next generation of leaders and servants of society.

Finally, the artistic and musical evening that concluded the event celebrated not only the day's achievements, but also the unity and diversity that characterize the Montreal community. Dozens of musicians, singers and artists created a vibrant atmosphere, perfectly illustrating the spirit of collaboration and celebration that drives these initiatives.

In short, this conference in Montreal not only strengthened ties within local communities, but also inspired everyone to actively contribute to a better future, aligned with the universal values of justice, equity and progress for all.

  1. Reflection meeting at West Island!
  2. Guest of honour at the Diversity Festival!
  3. Martyrdom of the Báb
  4. The Vision of Bahá’u’lláh for Humanity!
  5. The great light of the world...

 

Bahá'í Center

 

177, av des Pins E
Montréal, QC H2W 1N9
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Phone: 514-849-0753

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Montreal Shrine

 

1548, av des Pins O, Montreal
Phone: 514-568-2104

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