The latest Northern Ireland Community Feast was held on 19 August at the Benburb Priory, arranged by the Spiritual Assembly of Coleraine at the request of the Bahá'í Council. The weather had been awful for two weeks and so it was unbelievable that the day itself was perfect, with no rain. Things got off to a slow start with a cup to drink on arrival and lovely scones. People had travelled some distance to this year’s event and so it was particularly welcome.
Gradually as everyone settled the programme started. A lovely devotional kicked things off with beautiful music and voices combining to produce a great start to the day. It was followed by a presentation on pioneering from the writings. After we read the letter of the Universal House of Justice's recent letter on pioneering the day's programme was chaired by Natasha Robinson. A “Richard and Judy” layout was arranged with sofas and previous pioneers questioned in a fireside kind of format about their experiences by Mahan and Soha. While questions and answers were shared a map of their destination while pioneering was shown as a backdrop. It was startling to see far flung places brought to life with all the ups and downs of living there. Many spoke of the spiritual gains that pioneering gave as well as the tests; these things seem to go hand in hand. Many names were mentioned of Hands of the Cause ,Knights of Bahá'u'lláh and other wonderful souls and many pioneers treasured memories of being in the company of these inspiring souls.
“Verily, We behold you from Our realm of effulgent glory, and will graciously aid whosoever striveth for the triumph of Our Cause with the hosts of the celestial Concourse and a company of Our chosen angels.” (Bahá'í World Faith - Abdu’l-Bahá Section, p. 350)
The power of prayer as a sustaining force was mentioned and on some occasions seemed to get people through insurmountable difficulties. Mahan and Soha did a tremendous job of asking and prompting discussion, asking at times challenging and thought provoking questions. Thanks go to Hazel and Jim, Sally, Emma, Daniel, Flora, Bruce, Eddie and Maria and Nazy. The microphone and sound system let us down on the day so apologies to those who had difficulty hearing at the back of the room.
A closing comment brought home how much this Northern Ireland community owed to the early Persian pioneers who had come to NI as youth and stayed to build the foundations of this community, and how now we were being called upon to go out either to meet international pioneer goals or home front needs. This was both a challenge , a responsibility and a privilege.
After lunch and plenty of time for chatting with old and new friends, the afternoon activates began. Basket-weaving was popular with many weird and wonderful creations! There was also an outdoor walk with Butch as the guide and Thai cookery from Sina in the kitchen. Later there was a quiz from Afnan. Thanks go to so many and who can forget Inga's cakes and Rosie's melt-in-the-mouth chocolate biscuits? Thanks for all who made this event possible and in particular to the Robinson family who carried the main load of the preparations and work and to Sina in the kitchen who fed us all. These community feasts are a good opportunity to really chat and talk with friends and it was heartening to see so many new faces join us on the day.
CM
“This basket-weaving is hard work—if we can mange this then building world unity will be an easy follow-on…”
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