His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited Belfast on 20-23 November. This was the second time that he had visited Northern Ireland – the first time was some five years ago. Both visits were as part of an international programme of visits that he is undertaking, called “The Way of Peace”. The highlight of his visit on this occasion was a service in St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast. The Cathedral insisted on the service being a “Christian” service, however the main component of the service was a selection of readings from Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Bahá'í, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish and other faiths, and a musical contribution from the Benedictine monks from Rostrevor. At the beginning of the service a group of young children lit a candle. The children were from all the faith communities and Rhianna Giffin represented the Bahá'ís. The Cathedral was packed for the occasion – the doors had to be locked shut before the service began. The service was dignified and inspiring. In advance of the service a Bahá'írepresentative, Edwin Graham, joined representatives from other faith communities in a small private reception with the Dalai Lama.
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The November “Deepening in Derry” attracted fifteen Friends from the local community, Limavady, Cookstown and Donegal to hear Dr Nooshin Proudman speak on ‘Abdu'l-Bahá. The subject was very timely as this was the week in which we also celebrated the Day of the Covenant and marking the Master’s earthly passing. Nooshin took us through some of the trials faced by ‘Abdu'l-Bahá from his childhood when, at the age of 9, His Father was arrested, right through the years He spent in Akka and the problems He faced with carrying out one of His Father's most important instructions of laying the remains of His Blessed Holiness, The Báb to rest on Mount Carmel. We learned of His sacrifices and of the qualities He had which made Him the most perfect Exemplar for our Faith. A very enjoyable and, at times, emotional evening ended with refreshments as we pondered the life and mystery of this most incredible Man.
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