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Celebration of the Day of the Covenant

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.

 

Bahá'í Center

 

177, av des Pins E
Montréal, QC H2W 1N9
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 514-849-0753

Click here for map and hours

 

 

Montreal Shrine

 

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

Click here for map and hours

 

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