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Montreal, 24 March 2022 - The 23rd edition of Action Week Against Racism and for Equal Opportunities (AWARE 2022), which is celebrated by the United Nations every year on 21 March, has as its theme this year "Welcoming Refugees and Migrants in Quebec". As part of these activities, the Bahá'í Community of Saint-Laurent organized a round table on racism and racial prejudice in the form of a common meeting to reflect and exchange on possible solutions to eliminate the causes of racial prejudice. This virtual meeting took place in the presence of about forty people coming from all walks of Laurentian society and elsewhere in Montreal. The two guest speakers were Ms. Éliane Gabbay and Ms. Carmelle Rukiza.

Mr. DeSousa, Mayor of St. Laurent, Vana Nazarian, City Councillor and member of the Côte-de-Lièsse District Borough Council were among the dignitaries present at the meeting.

Two musical performances were included in the program: the video of “O Peoples of the World!” composed by Lucie Dubé and her choir which brought together 40 choral voices on the Unity of Humanity - text extracted from the Bahá'í writings and at the end, the presentation of another extract from the Bahá'í writings on Racial Harmony read by Janie and accompanied by guitar by her sister Oréanne Cardinal-Fernandez.

The mayor of Saint-Laurent, as usual, began the meeting with his inspiring and encouraging words for those who work in the path of unity of humanity, especially racial harmony. He gave the example of the St. Laurent neighborhood, a highly multicultural and multiracial community representing 53.5% of visible minorities, different ethnicities and languages that have been living in harmony on the territory for a long time.

Despite the current conflicts in the world, says the mayor, we must never be discouraged because ultimately we have no choice but to learn to live in peace! We think a lot about the people who are suffering now because of the situation in Ukraine, continued Mr. de Sousa, and we hope that, after tonight's discussion, we can come to a conclusion and think about ways to eliminate the conflicts! 

Our first speaker, Ms. Eliane Gabbay, was a partnership advisor at the Ministère de l'Immigration et des Communautés Culturelles, now known as MIFI (Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration) and sat on the Board of Directors of CARI Saint-Laurent for many years.  She is currently a project manager at the Centre d'appui aux communautés immigrantes de Bordeaux Cartierville (CACI).

She has done a detailed analysis of the causes of unconscious prejudice, integration of immigrants, the role of the media in reinforcing prejudice, the role of parents and educational institutions and finally the role that history has played in justifying this action. From the age of three, Ms. Gabbay said, children begin to have prejudices because of the influence of family and surroundings. 

She also mentioned the importance of the role of the family and the education given to children. It is desirable that parents promote the integration of races and colours in the life and education of children. Having friendly relationships with other cultural communities and encouraging frank conversations to build bridges and collaboration between people are essential.

In her speech, Ms. Gabbay was asked to answer the following questions:

a.         Unconscious racial prejudice and the ways in which the causes of racial prejudice can be eliminated.

b.         The role of society, especially the family and the environment in the fight against racism and prejudice in order to build a dynamic, just and inclusive community.

Carmelle Rukiza, our second speaker who considers herself a global citizen and believes in the unity of humanity, spoke on "How can individuals and institutions work together to strengthen racial equity in our communities?"

Inspired by the Bahá'í teachings, she shared the belief that young people can make meaningful contributions to the betterment of the world.  Living in Paris, she is the facilitator of a spiritual empowerment program for pre-teens aged 11 to 15 that aims to strengthen the development of intellectual and moral skills, develop their talents and qualities to plan and carry out a wide variety of service projects in their community (e.g. visiting the elderly, tending a community garden, etc.) This group of young people has given themselves the name: "The Happy Helpers"!

During the questions and comments period with Ms. Gabbay and the participants many themes on prejudice were discussed. Mr. Mayor commented that one of the reasons for prejudice is lack of knowledge of others. Being anchored in one's homogeneous environment and isolating oneself from others gives us certain prejudices. To solve this challenge, in Saint-Laurent, public spaces have been created to promote multicultural and multiethnic get together. These spaces give musicians and artisans of all trades, including the culinary arts, the opportunity to share their talents with others and to break down some of the barriers that cause prejudice.

The presentations of the two speakers were very enriching. They gave us the opportunity to reflect together on racism, discrimination and racial prejudice which is one of the afflictions of our society! These ideas on how to move our community towards a vision of racial unity to build together a more just, equitable and inclusive world, so that we can live better together, encourage us to be proud of our Unity in Diversity!

 

Montreal, March 21, 2022 - "The world is in travail, its agitation increasing day by day," wrote Bahá'u'lláh in one of His tablets! Despite all, Bahá'ís around the world celebrated the spring equinox, the Feast of Naw-Rúz, in their respective communities. In Montreal, friends had small celebrations by teleconference except at the Youth Center in Côte-de-Neige where there was a celebration with many young people accompanied by friends and some parents!

"Naw-Rúz" is the holiday celebrated by Bahá'ís around the world on the first day of Spring, the beginning of the Bahá'í calendar and year, on March 21!

What could be more logical and natural, indeed, than to begin the year on that day? So His Holiness the Báb, who instituted the new calendar of the Bahá'í Era, chose this date (March 21) as the day of the New Year, a choice later ratified by Bahá'u'lláh. As in Iran this day was already a festival and carried the name of "Naw-Rúz", it was kept for our Festival of the Bahá'í New Year.

But what did it represent in ancient Persia, since this festival probably dates back at least three millennia?

"Naw-Rúz" means in Persian, word for word: New Day. In Iranian mythology it is said that the Supreme God created the Universe in six days: successively the Sky, the Earth, the water, the plants, the animals and, on the sixth day, Man... The day of each of these creations was celebrated with a festival: the day of the appearance of Man was called "Naw-Rúz".

Until the year 538 BC, "Naw-Rúz" was only the Festival of the Creation (of Man). From this date, the Iranians will make coincide the day of the New Year (celebrated until then at the beginning of the autumn) with this festival celebrated on the first day of Spring.

This change of date was made under the reign of the Persian Emperor Cyrus the Great who freed the Children of Israel from the yoke of the Babylonians and was charged by God to rebuild the Temple of Jerusalem. Cyrus (of Mazdean or Zoroastrian religion) has an important rank since not only is he known as the first "promulgator" of a charter of Human Rights ensuring in particular religious freedom, but especially because he is called in the BIBLE: "the shepherd, the anointed of the Lord"!

For more than 2,500 years, the peoples of this region (including - apart from those of Iran - some inhabitants of Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Caucasus, Turkey and Iraq) have joyfully celebrated this festival of "Naw-Rúz".

Independent and different from any other calendar, it would be one of the few to start on first day of Spring. In addition, on New Year's Day, this event is celebrated for 12 days, plus a 13th day during which one must leave the house for a joyful communion with Nature.

Despite the invasion of this region by Alexander of Macedonia, the armies of Islam, the hordes of Genghis Khan and Tamerlane, and despite the vicissitudes of time, this festival has persisted and, being a common feature, has even served, in a way, to culturally unite the peoples of the Iranian Plateau...

In sum, in Iranian mythology, tradition and culture, "Naw-Rúz" is considered the Festival of the Creator, of the appearance of Man, the Festival of Nature, Fertility, Hope and Peace. It is also the Feast of the Family, of Respect for the head of the family and the elderly, of Friendship, Generosity, Joy and Children...

We can see that the name "Naw-Rúz" is worthy of a Bahá’í New Year!

Here is what the sixth Imam of the Shi'a says about this festival:

"Naw-Rúz is the Day when God made a Covenant with the souls of His servants to acknowledge Him as the One and to follow His Envoys and His proofs. It is the Day when the Sun lit up the world, the breeze rose to fertilize the plants and the earth became green. It is the Day when Noah's Ark finally touched the earth, when the Angel Gabriel brought the Revelation to His Holiness the Prophet, the Day when the latter broke the idols, (...) the Day when the Qá'im (the Promised One) of Muhammad's lineage, that is, His Holiness the Possessor of Creation, will reveal Himself!

N.B. the group photo was taken before the health restrictions!

Montreal, November 7, 2021 – The birth of the Báb, the Herald of the Bahá’í Faith as well as that of Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet Founder, were celebrated with great joy in most neighbourhoods of the city. Numerous friends and seekers joined these celebrations with songs, stories, video clips and music.

In Saint-Laurent neighbourhood, the two above events were celebrated via videoconference in presence of many friends and seekers. The program included passages of Writings of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh accompanied with songs and stories from the life of the both Founders of the Faith. A video clip on the childhood of the Báb specially produced for the occasion was shown.   

In His Most Holy Book, Bahá’u’lláh wrote:

“All Feasts have attained their consummation in the two Most Great Festivals, and in the two other Festivals that fall on the twin days… Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the Ordainer, the Omnisicient.”

Bahá’u’lláh asked the Baha’is to celebrate feasts of unity, joy and commemoration on each of these two special days, which makes them second only in importance in the Bahá’í calendar to the two “Most Great Festivals”—which commemorate the Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh in the garden of Ridván in 1863 and the Declaration of the Báb in Shiraz in 1844.

Middle Eastern Bahá’ís have traditionally observed the Twin Holy Days in accordance with the Muslim lunar calendar, and celebrated them together on consecutive days, counting them as one two-day festival.

In that lunar Muslim calendar, however, the Twin Holy Days occur on different days every year, because each new month begins with the appearance of a new moon, rather than on a fixed solar calendar date. In relationship to that 365-day solar calendar, the Muslim calendar “loses” about eleven days every year—since twelve lunar cycles amount to approximately 354 days, which falls short of a full solar cycle.

Bahá’u’lláh was born two years before the Báb. In the Western solar calendar, their birthdays fall about three weeks apart. That means Bahá’u’lláh’s birthday (2 Muharram of the year 1233 A.H.)—fell on 12 November 1817 A.D., while the Báb’s birthday (1 Muharram of 1235 A.H.)—fell on 20 October 1819.

In the Western countries, Bahá’ís traditionally observed the two birthdays on November 12 and October 20, the historical dates fixed for these days on the solar calendar. But in 2014 a significant shift took place— Bahá’ís all over the world, including the Western countries, began celebrating these joyous holy days according to a new, unique melding of the solar and the lunar calendars. Instead of relying solely on either calendar, Bahá’ís now celebrate the Twin Holy Days eight lunar months from the Bahá’í New Year, which occurs on the vernal equinox of the solar year, usually March 21.

This year the Twin Holy Birthdays fall on November 6 and 7. Just as the Bahá’í teachings reconcile and unite the religions, so too do they unite and reconcile the world’s calendars, adapting the lunar and solar observances into one. The Universal House of Justice, the global governing body of the Bahá’í Faith, wrote:

“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.”

When Bahá’ís celebrate these happy occasions, everyone is welcome. At the worldwide Bahá’í gatherings for the birth of the Báb and the birth of Bahá’u’lláh, happiness and celebration prevail. Smiles will proliferate, music will play, friends will come together, children will laugh, warm fellowship will fill the air—and when possible, refreshments will definitely be served.

These Twin Holy Days signal a joyful, celebratory season in the Bahá’í year, when the Bahá’í community comes together to commemorate the advent of the two prophets of God, the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh, the twin founders of the Faith, and to hail the beginning of a new era in human unity.

Photos : The birth places of the  Báb in Shiráz and of Bahá'u'lláh in Tihrán -Archives of the Bahá'i World Centre

 

Montreal, February 25, 2022 - What could be a better tribute to the Master, 'Abdu'l-Bahá, who loved children dearly, than for the little ones in our community to use their creativity to express their thoughts and feelings about Him? And what better time to show what they have done than during the festive days of Ayyam-i-Há?

Whether in children’s classes or privately in their homes, our children have responded wholeheartedly to the invitation to create an artwork in His honour. They will be exhibited online at the website of the Montreal Bahá’í Community (http://bahaimontreal.org/fr-ca/la-foi-bahaie/vie-communautaire/les-classes-pour-enfants) starting on February 25th, the first day of Intercalary Days. At the same time, the original works will be on display at the Montreal Bahá’í Centre, beginning the same day and remaining until Naw Ruz.

The Young Artists who contributed to the success of this exhibition are:

Angelica, Chris Chen, Izzy, Kieran, Kitowin, Lucca, Ziuyuan, Danny, Clara Lebensold, Luke, Oscar, Sarah, Isabelle, Volador, Nasim, Bennett Talwar, Leili Lencucha, Asher Daley, Giorgia Daley, Yasmin Agigi, Layna, Bahar, Joy, Chloe Aquine, Emory, Anie, Jaeda, Tajalli Hopkins, Leroy Hopkins, Xiuyuan et Xue Qin.

Montreal, October 28, 2021 – As part of McGill University’s Bicentenary Celebration, a 98 year old Bahá’í woman from African descent, was recognized for her contributions to music industry.  The exhibition was presented in September and was called “Texture, Rhythm, Rhyme”.

Unique, not only in Bahá’í history of Montreal but in also that of the city, Violet States (née Grant) recognized earlier in 2017, by the City of Montreal as one of the 20 women who contributed to build our city. In fact she has a collection of recognitions from various organizations in Verdun where she lived all her life, to Montreal and to McGill university. She graduated from this renowned education institution in 1968 as a concert pianist. She taught music and mathematics in several schools in Verdun and Montreal. She performed in an all-women orchestra in Carnegie Hall in New York City in 1943 as well as in Montreal. She was the first teacher in Montreal School Board who encouraged her students to open a Bank Saving Account for their future life. She negotiated with the Bank to allow young students to open a Bank Account, something which was not permitted in that time!

The relationship between the Bahá’í Community and McGill University goes back to the time of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Montreal in 1912. On September 3, 1912, the principal of McGill University, Dr. William Peterson visited ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at Windsor Hotel. In the discussion He had with this prominent educator, `Abdu’l-Bahá explained sundry Bahá’í principles adding:

“These are the aims of the people of Bahá’u’lláh. Do you not wish to do the same work? You should also strive that the real oneness of the world of humanity may be realised; that mankind may be free from prejudices and relieved from wars and conflicts. It is for this that we are striving.”

In His first day in Montreal ‘Abdu’l-Bahá accompanied by Architect Sutherland Maxwell visited the city passing through the streets around McGill university. He observed :

“As only material education is imparted and only natural philosophy is taught, these universities do not produce highly talented scholars. When both the natural and the divine philosophies are expounded, they will bring forth outstanding souls and evince great advancement. The reason for the success of the Greek schools was that they combined both natural and divine philosophies.”

Since the Montreal Bahá’í Shrine has been opened to the public at the occasion of the Centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Montreal in 2012, numerous McGill Faculty students have regularly visited this unique house in the Western Bahá’í World blessed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s presence for nine consecutive days. Students from as far as Kyoto University, Japan visited the Shrine and marvelled at the beauty of the building as well as its furniture and other decorative objects.

Violet State, now 98 years old and in perfect heath, is living in an Elderly Home Facility in St. Henri district of Montreal, in a different world unknown to the rest of us, in peace unaware of all recognitions the university and Montreal have showered upon her.

To see the McGill Art Exhibition featuring Violet States please go to the following link :

https://200.mcgill.ca/texture-rhythm-rhyme/

Please scroll down the page and click on MUSIC

 

Photos: Curtsy of McGill University Archives

‘Abdu’l-Bahá quotes from Mahmúd Diary

Montreal, January 22, 2022 – Friends, colleagues, pupils, musicians, journalists, artists, university professors, members of Black community, a judge and politicians as well as members of the Bahá’í Administrative bodies from all over Quebec and North America joined together to celebrate the life of an outstanding woman who served humankind in her Verdun community and other parts of the province for almost a century!

Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet Founder of the Bahá’í Faith “once compared the coloured people to the black pupil of the eye surrounded by the white. In this black pupil is seen the reflection of that which is before it, and through it the light of the spirit shineth forth.”

And that is how Violet was ; she shone forth the light of spirit at whomsoever came across her path!

It was impossible to listen to all remanences of over sixty friends attended her virtual commemoration, nonetheless everyone was united in this that Violet was their mentor, their guide and their helper in all their efforts!

The first message of recognition was sent from Marie-Andrée Mauger, the Mayoress of the Borough of Verdun where Violet  was born and resided all her life:  

« We will make sure to honour the memory of  Mrs. Violet States Grant, Grande Verdunoise.» was the message and she paid a glowing tribute to Violet on her Facebook page.

There were countless messages from Violet’s pupils. She taught in Verdun and Montreal public schools for 25 years and as a private piano teacher for 28 years. She taught music, in some cases, over one thousand students per week!

Her honourable Juanita Westmoreland-Traore, the first black judge in the history of Quebec and the first black dean of a law school at the University of Windsor, Ontario in Canada's history mentioned that she took music lessons with Violet when she was just six years old. Later in her life Violet introduced her to ‘Cross Roads Africa’ where she learned so much about life and international solidarity. What was remarkable about Mrs. States, she mentioned, was how much she cared about her students in elementary schools as well as those who took lessons in her home. She was refused to teach in public schools because of racial prejudices at the time so she taught music in her own home. It took her years before she was allowed to teach in public schools. She gave such an importance to students to become self-sufficient by saving their money at the Caisse Populaire Desjardins. Violet also encouraged the future honourable judge to join the Black Gospel Music Choir and learn about the history of Black Community. Violet taught her students they can overcome all obstacles regardless of its nature. She was a true spiritual mother to the community and her students. Violet’s students were her family!

Violet was frequently stopped in the street by her students and would receive words of gratitude from them especially those who have learned to save their money and that saving had become a significant start in their later life!

Violet was alert to difficulties her students were going through. In one occasion she encouraged one of her students to improve her English through correspondence with an Australian friend. Violet mentioned to this student that you are not only improving your English but you can also talk to your pen pal about the Bahá’í Faith. This correspondence has been continued for almost fifty years, the student said, and is still going on!

Violet was also a member of Montreal Coloured Women’s Club. She travelled with them to follow the slave trade route. Violet was a woman of social action in all walks of life. She played a major role in paying tribute to early Black Railroad Workers of Canada and official recognition of a historical Slave Cemetery in St. Armand, Quebec.

Violet was a part of Verdun Oral History Project and also a winner of athletic games in her school. Not surprising, the principle of the school did not give her the trophy she won during the school’s assembly because she was black. He went to Violet’s classroom and gave the trophy to her later without any ceremony!

Violet was a woman full of love, remarked one of the friends present, tenacious was another attribute which came to mind. Whenever Violet found an interesting idea or subject she persistently had to follow it up to achieve the goal!

There were numerous messages from Violet’s pupils; everyone was united in that Violet was a loving person who not only cared about her students but also for their families.

Violet rode her bicycle in Verdun streets every day until she was in her late 80s, either to go to work or go shopping.  

It was unbelievable to hear how much Violet went through racial prejudices throughout her life. Starting from her childhood until her late life; ringing in her ears: “N-, Black”- “N-, Black”! the rhyme of children’s voice during her school time. The only place she was free from prejudice, perhaps was the years she played music in an all women symphony orchestra. She travelled to New York in 1947 with the orchestra and performed in prestigious Carnegie Hall there. It was a period of terrific segregation in North America but nothing could stop Violet to do what she was intended to do! She was the only black woman in that orchestra!

Violet was a unique human being not only in the history of Montreal Bahá’í Community but in Verdun and Montreal where she served humanity for almost a century! It is heart-breaking to think such an outstanding person could be subject of discrimination in the society!

Peacefully, on January 4, 2022 in the afternoon, the pure soul of Violet States Grant flew to the World Beyond, five days short of being one hundred years old. She is always remembered fondly and lovingly by her students, the Montreal Bahá’í Community and Verdun Borough where she was born and served all her life of almost a century.

Here is the link to the Commemoration video recording:  https://vimeo.com/676665687  

Montreal, September 21, 2021 - Each year, on this day, the International Day of Peace is observed around the world. The UN General Assembly has declared this day as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.

The celebration of the International Day of Peace took place in Beaudet Park, also known as "Peace Park", under a bright sun, in a warm, friendly and respectful atmosphere in the presence of elected officials, including Borough Mayor Alan DeSousa and members of the Saint-Laurent Council, a dozen representatives of institutions and community organizations in the borough, the Saint-Laurent Intercultural Committee of the COSSL (Saint-Laurent Committee of Social Organizations), the Bahá’í Community of Montreal and several distinguished guests.  

The improvement of the sanitary conditions in Quebec having allowed the reopening of the schools and following sanitary instructions, the students of the schools of Saint-Laurent did not participate in the celebration. However, a message of Love and Unity was addressed to them by Gigi Vidal, the representative of the Intercultural Committee of Saint-Laurent and the Bahá'í Community of Montreal:

“Youth are our ambassadors and peace builders! Together you can change the world! Congratulations on your messages of commitment to peace! We wish you health and success in your studies.”

A message of deep gratitude for their courage and resilience was also expressed to all those who are still working tirelessly on the front line, the health care staff, the community organizations and the volunteers who continue to provide services to the population.

“May our relations with our fellow human beings always be marked by love and harmony, by the most friendly and fraternal spirit. So powerful is the light of unity that it can illumine the whole earth.”

Alan DeSousa, for whom the theme of peace, community safety and a green and sustainable economy are topics very close to his heart, stressed the importance of "starting with simple gestures such as maintaining good relations with our neighbours, keeping our street clean or offering help to an elderly person in our neighbourhood."

For almost two decades, our administration has been multiplying initiatives to become a leader in this field," added the borough's mayor, "and we are reaping the results with, for example, 310 housing units in 2020, almost all plan for LEED certification, an agent approved by the Urban Planning Advisory Committee. And what about the 657 new trees planted in 2020 alone! In Saint-Laurent, every little thing counts.”

The 2021 theme for the International Day of Peace is “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world”. We invite you to join the efforts of the United Nations family as we focus on recovering better for a more equitable and peaceful world. Celebrate peace by standing up against acts of hate online and offline, and by spreading compassion, kindness, and hope in the face of the pandemic, and as we recover.

All those who contributed to the success of this ceremony were warmly thanked for their commitment and support in promoting peace: the children of the Bon courage Community Centre and Cari Saint-Laurent for their collective work, the students of the École internationale des apprenants for their poem and poster, the poet Ranim Natout of Cari, the team of Salua Said Abbas and Céline Goudreau for the peace mural and the Lions International Foundation for their Peace Poster Contest!

 

Montreal, January 8, 2022 - On the night of January 4, 2022, the soul of Violet States (née Grant), a devoted servant of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, took its flight to the Garden of the Immortal Kingdom of God. She is and will forever be the first woman of her race to become a Bahá'í in Montreal. She was 98 years old!

A courageous woman that nothing could stop her from achieving her life's goals, born in Verdun to Jamaican immigrant parents. Violet did not grow up in the upper echelons of classical music, but her father, a railroad worker, insisted that she take piano lessons in addition to her regular schooling.

Undeterred by racial prejudice, the young woman set her sights on becoming a music teacher herself and was even accepted at McDonald Teacher College, the former music faculty of McGill University.

When the principal of the school met her in person and realized that she was black, he dissuaded her from starting her studies, claiming that few parents would accept a person of colour teaching their children.

Far from discouraging her, this refusal motivated her to find another way to achieve her goal. With the help of a scholarship, she entered the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal to complete a major in piano.

It was in 1940 that Violet, a young pianist, attended the very first concert of the Montreal Women's Symphony on Mount Royal, an all-women orchestra assembled by conductor Ethel Stark. This event became her love at first sight and naturally she wanted to join.

She, therefore, became the first black woman ever to play in a professional orchestra in North America. This particular symphony orchestra did not have a piano in its ensemble but it never deterred Violet to find a way! She found out that the orchestra was missing a clarinet player!  Violet jumped to action and decided to learn this instrument which is entirely different from a piano! Three years later, she passed the auditions with flying colors and was accepted into the ensemble!

It was with this orchestra that in 1947, when segregation reigned everywhere in the United States, she became the first black woman to play at Carnegie Hall, the prestigious concert hall in New York.

At a time when women had just won the right to vote and segregation was at its worst, she had an outstanding career, paving the way for the next generation. Violet was also very involved in her borough, among other things, by volunteering to direct an amateur choirs. Her role in the community was already recognized in 2002, when she was awarded the title of Grande Verdunoise!

Violet joined the Bahá’í Faith on January 8, 1961 in Verdun and has served as a member of the Verdun Spiritual Assembly, serving for many years as the Secretary of that Institution. She was the first woman of her race in Montreal to accept the Faith.

Due to her dedication and generosity, the city of Verdun would have liked to name a street or an establishment in Verdun in her honour. However, she was chosen as the City Builder to represent Verdun which has later become a neighbourhood of Montreal!

She also participated in projects such as honoring the first black railroaders and the official recognition of a slave cemetery in St-Armand, Quebec. She also opened, in collaboration with the Caisse Populaire Desjardins, savings accounts for all students at Verdun Elementary School and through this project, she taught the children the importance of saving for the first time.

Finally, Violet Grant States proved the principal of McDonald Teacher College wrong, having taught music to thousands of young people, both privately for 28 years and in public schools for 22 years.

Bahá’u’lláh,” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has said, “once compared the coloured people to the black pupil of the eye surrounded by the white. In this black pupil is seen the reflection of that which is before it, and through it the light of the spirit shineth forth.

May her radiant soul progress in the Eternal Worlds of God where no prejudice and rancor exist!

Montreal, September 5, 2021 - The world of humanity has been revolutionized since this prophecy of Bahá’u’lláh: “From two ranks amongst men power hath been seized: kings and ecclesiastics.” Those powerful individual who ruled over humankind for centuries are no more! In another Tablet addressed to Shaykh Salmán, He said: “One of the signs of the maturity of the world is that no one will accept to bear the weight of kingship. Kingship will remain with none willing to bear alone its weight.” Nevertheless, He confirms in another Tablet that “We do not wish the countries of the world should remain deprived thereof (the kings).” – this latter point has been materialized to some extent! – We had two monarchs who accepted the Faith in the 20th Century; the Queen Mary of Romania and the late King of Samoa Malietoa Tanumafili II.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá originally did not plan to travel to Montreal. It was the devoted and selfless services of May Maxwell in Paris and on the Canadian soil which acted as a strong magnet to draw Him to Montreal. His visit to Montreal constituted the most remarkable episode in the whole of His American tour. To begin with, the newspaper coverage of His visit was particularly noteworthy. From the first evening of His arrival to this city until the last day there were articles published continuously  in Montreal Daily Papers. A study of the articles published shows that they were free of journalistic quirks and extravagancies. The newspapers in Montreal excelled consistency in tone, range and substance far and above all the other newspapers in the United States and some of Europe!

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ toured the downtown area on the first day of His visit to Montreal accompanied by the well-known architect Sutherland Maxwell. They passed in front of the Church of the Messiah on Sherbrooke street. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ said to his companions: “tomorrow from this church we will raise the Call of the Kingdom. It was on September first that He gave His first congregational address in that church. He ended His address by revealing a prayer which ends with these words : “… O God! Endear this assembly to Thyself. Sanctify these souls, and cast upon them the rays of Thy guidance. … O Lord! Make us brethren in Thy love, and cause us to be loving toward all Thy children. Confirm us in service to the world of humanity so that we may become the servants of Thy servants, that we may love all Thy creatures and become compassionate to all Thy people. ....”

The subject of the talk was printed in the newspapers and was subject of many days of public conversation! There were constant telephone calls made to Maxwell residence. Everybody wanted to meet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and a great number of people turned up at Maxwell’s home. The living room, the dining room, the study, the entrance and even the staircase were full of visitors.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke to them every evening and every afternoon, some days He gave three talks! In one occasion so forceful was His speech, so emphatic His movement that His head-cover fell off and He made no attempt to replace it. He went on speaking for another half hour. Then He walked through the thronged assemblage, upstairs to His room. People could not tear themselves away and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá came back and spoke once again. Even then, there were individuals begging to be received by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His room, and He received a good many. He decided that night to move to a hotel. The next day He took a suite of three rooms in Hotel Windsor. Nevertheless, the meetings continued particularly every evening at the Maxwell home. He had also other meetings with prominent people at the Hotel. There were two other important congregational meetings held in Montreal, one in Coronation Hall on September third and the next one on September 5th  at St. James Methodist church. Both events were reported by the Montreal Gazette the next day.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá was not well enough to keep such a heavy schedule and the weather was not particularly pleasant either during His stay in Montreal. He caught cold that same evening of September 5th and that is why the city was fortunate enough to have Him for nine days otherwise He intended to leave by September 6th! He would occasionally, when finding a moment of leisure, go out for a drive or walk.

Once He went all alone and boarded a tram car which took him some way out of the city. Alighting from that one He rode in another which also had an outward route. He then took a taxi, but could not recall the name of the hotel. However He could indicate the right direction to the cabman who brought him to His hotel! Being amused by the incident, He related to His companions the story of a believer in Akká who was riding a donkey and lost his way not knowing where he was. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had told this man that whenever this happens he should cast off the donkey’s halter. The beast finding itself free, had directed its steps to their destination! In the same manner, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said laughingly, He had rightly directed His cabman!

‘Abdu’l-Bahá had no formal schooling, a prisoner for forty years, unfamiliar with Western culture and languages, nevertheless, He had a reasonable knowledge of English but not enough to give public talks. He knew Persian, Arabic and Turkish in perfection. We are fortunate to have published Tablets, Prayers, Talks and correspondences of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in those language.

He left Montreal on September 9th for Buffalo, changed train in Toronto where He took a walk around the station while He was waiting for His train to Hamilton. There a newspaper man photographed Him at the station, the only photograph of His nine days stay in Canada!

When leaving Montreal, the Master gave to May Maxwell the shoes in which He had walked the streets of the city and all over the rooms in the Maxwell home. He also gave the family a Persian silk carpet which is now displayed in the Montreal Shrine, His home, as He had mentioned in a conversation with May Maxwell!

During the nine days of His visit in Montreal, some 2500 people heard ‘Abdu’l-Bahá speak or had direct contact with Him. Some 440,000 readers of Montreal Press, in English and French, also became aware of His Teachings.

References : - US Bahá’í Publishing Trust - Promulgation of the Universal Peace, Page 297

             G. Roland - Baluyzi, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá –

            Wilfrid Laurier University Press - Will C. Van den Hoonaard, The Origin of the Bahá’í Community of Canada 1898-1948

            Canada Publishing Trust - ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Canada

            G. Roland - Mahmúd Zarqani, Mahmúd’s Diary

            UK Bahá’í Publishing Trust - Shoghi-Effendi, God Passes By

            UK Bahá’í Publishing Trust - Shoghi-Effendi, The Promised Day is come!

Montreal, 27 November 2021 - Many friends in Montreal neighbourhoods gathered to commemorate the centennial birthday of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, one of the central figures of the Bahá'í World Community.

The Friends of Saint-Laurent in partnership with the neighbourhood's Centre d'action bénévole et communautaire organized a teleconference meeting during which a donation of 11 digital tablets to support"L'ABC DES AÎNÉS" was offered to the Centre ABC. This tool is to enable our seniors to keep in touch with their family, to have access to online leisure activities (games, movies, music, etc.)

About 40 people including the Mayor of Saint-Laurent Alan de Sousa, members of the City Council, the Member of Parliament (federal) for Saint-Laurent, Mrs. Emmanuela Lambropoulos, the MNA, the Executive Director of the Centre d'action bénévole et communautaire as well as several other community organizations were present.

In his speech, Alan DeSousa, Montreal City Councillor and Mayor of Saint-Laurent, noted that "the powerful message of 'Abdu'l-Bahá on the equality of the human race and universal peace has taken root throughout the world.”

"The Bahá'í Faith teaches us that we must be actively concerned with the needs of humanity," continued Mr. DeSousa. "I have seen this teaching move from words to reality, thanks to the dedication and service of the local Bahá'í Community, which has been active here since 1956." In such a diverse city, he noted, "we need to achieve a community of thought, spiritual ideals and vision that brings people together."

A varied program of music, video and a presentation on the life and charitable works of 'Abdu'l-Bahá was presented. During the testimonial period, one of the participants, Michel Atallah, whose family lived in 'Akká and Haifa area during the period of the Ottoman Empire, related the memories of their friendship with 'Abdu'l-Bahá and his family. This relationship lasted at least three generations in his family.

Another event in connection with the commemoration of the centennial of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's passing was a reception hosted by the National Spiritual Assembly. This intimate gathering, held at the Visitor Centre of the Montreal Bahá'í Shrine, was attended by an impressive number of dignitaries such as Most Rev. Christian Lépine , Archbishop of Montréal, professors from universities, religious organizations, the Human Rights Centre, City Councillor, and a professor from the Urbaniana University in Rome.

Originally from Persia, 'Abdu'l-Bahá spent most of His life as a prisoner and exile because of His Faith. In 1912, shortly after His release from the notorious Ottoman prison of ‘Akká, He came to Montreal at the age of 68 on a tour of North America, Europe and Egypt.

A well-known ambassador for peace in Europe and North America, 'Abdu'l-Bahá arrived in Montreal to draw the attention of the people of Canada to the vital and essential importance of cooperation among the world's inhabitants in order to stop a devastating war that soon afterwards ravaged humanity!

As a result of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's visit, the residence of architect William Sutherland Maxwell, located on Pine Avenue West in Montreal and itself designed by its owner, was designated the only Bahá'í Shrine in the West.

During His visit, He addressed thousands of people in various churches, lecture halls, and had personal meetings, including with Robert Stanley Weir, author of our national anthem "O Canada", Archbishop Paul Bruchési of Montreal, and the Rector of McGill University, Sir William Peterson.

"The apostle of peace", "the oriental sage", "the oriental seer" were some of the names given to Him by Montreal's English and French press in some 34 newspaper articles published during His nine-day visit.

"He spoke to various audiences about the oneness of religion, the eradication of prejudice, the equality of women and men, science and religion, the search for truth and economic justice. He warned, prophetically, of the imminence of war in Europe.

In 1912, the New York Times quoted 'Abdu'l-Bahá as saying, "The time has come for mankind to raise the banner of the oneness of the human world, so that dogmatic precepts and superstitions may end."

These are some of the principles that the community in and around Montreal is striving to implement in their lives and communities through Bahá’í-inspired educational programs. They will commemorate the centenary of His death online and in small face-to-face gatherings.

The legacy and impact of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's visit to Montreal lives on and this year reminds us that His words and teachings are as relevant today as they were 100 years ago.

 

References : « ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Canada », publication of Bahá’í Canada

Canadian Bahá’íNews Service: https://news.bahai.ca/en/articles/centenary-of-the-ascension-of-abdu-l-baha-marked-at-the-baha-i-shrine.html

 

  1. Nine memorable days - ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Montreal 1912, Part one
  2. Bahá'í Summer School of Quebec - Tribute to 'Abdu'l-Bahá
  3. The day on which the "Sun of Truth" was obscured behind the clouds!
  4. An unthinkable loss that was spoken about but never documented!
  5. Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh (1817-1892)

 

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