Message from the National Spiritual Assembly to the Bahá’ís of Canada, 11 July 2017

To the friends gathered at the Feast of Words

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Since the National Spiritual Assembly wrote to you on 19 June 2017, word has reached us of the momentum building towards the celebration of the bicentenary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh in communities of every size. A renewed study of sections of Book 2 and of Book 4 of the sequence of institute courses is fanning a fire of love for Him and preparing the friends for deeper conversations in many different kinds of spaces. One report from an Indigenous believer was of her conversation with Elders from the Elders’ Council about celebrating the bicentenary on the Reserve, which prompted them to recall the joyful early days of the Faith in the 1960s and 1970s in their First Nation. Planning has begun. In another account, the friends in an urban neighbourhood have been reaching out to extend the circle of friendship with a receptive population, where at least 100 families are expected to enter into meaningful conversation over the summer months and celebrate the Twin Holy Days together.

The 19 June letter was an effort on the part of the National Assembly to draw both Bahá’ís and the friends with whom they are working into one conversation about the bicentennial celebrations. We would be delighted to hear how the letter has been used, and a copy is attached for your ease of reference or in case it did not reach you in June.

Many of you have asked about the timing of the availability of the film commissioned by the Universal House of Justice to mark the bicentenary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh. A completed version, with subtitled versions in Arabic, English, French, Persian, Russian and Spanish will be made available for National Assemblies to download by mid-September, at which time we will make it available to everyone. We hope this information helps you in your plans to screen the film with your friends and neighbours in both intimate and formal settings.

As the House of Justice observed at Ridván this year about the many conversations that could unfold: “In the course of such meaningful conversations, perception is heightened and hearts are opened—sometimes immediately. In this worthy occupation all find a calling, and of the joy that comes from being engaged in this work none should deprive themselves. We entreat the one Beloved that the whole of this bicentennial year may be filled with this joy that is purest and sweetest: telling another soul of the dawning of the Day of God.” At this Feast of Words, as you continue to reflect on ways to offer the Word of God to friends and acquaintances who represent the widest possible cross-section of society, our prayers are with you.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF CANADA
[signed: Karen McKye, Secretary]