‘Abdu’l-Bahá Centenary Update 5
27 September 2021
2 Mashíyyat 178 B.E.
The Universal House of Justice has described the One Year Plan as a “year for profound reflection on the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the strength of the Covenant of which He was the Centre…” Here is another selection of news and resources to inspire and assist the friends in their “profound reflection” and acts of service in His honour.
Marking The Day of the Covenant
In its November 25th 2020 message to the Bahá’í’s of the world, the Universal House of Justice states:
…to the faithful of this age, He [‘Abdu’l-Bahá] remains without parallel: a perfect embodiment in word and deed of all that His Father taught, the One through Whom the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh was “proclaimed, championed and vindicated”. We are conscious that the coming year will also mark a century since His Will and Testament—that “momentous”, “historic”, “immortal” Document—“called into being, outlined the features and set in motion the processes” of the Administrative Order, “the very pattern of that divine civilization which the almighty Law of Bahá’u’lláh is designed to establish upon earth”. This “unique” and “divinely-conceived” Order, this “mighty administrative structure”, had been fashioned by its Architect to perpetuate the Covenant and channel the spiritual powers of the Cause. It will be apparent, then, that the Day of the Covenant…will be especially meaningful.
The Universal House of Justice says it has:
…no doubt that the efforts made in local communities worldwide to befittingly commemorate the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and to honour the Day of the Covenant in this coming centennial year will provide the impetus needed to launch the succeeding stage in God’s Minor Plan, even as Providence propels the unfoldment of His Major Plan in accordance with His incontestable decree.
The National Spiritual Assembly is encouraging the friends to give specific thought to how to mark the Day of the Covenant, which this year commences at sunset on Wednesday 24 November. How, for example, might friends of the Faith be introduced to the significance of the Covenant as the “axis of the oneness of the world of humanity,” and its relevance to all of humanity, including children, junior youth and youth?
It is evident that the axis of the oneness of the world of humanity is the power of the Covenant and nothing else. Had the Covenant not come to pass, had it not been revealed from the Supreme Pen and had not the Book of the Covenant, like unto the ray of the Sun of Reality, illuminated the world, the forces of the Cause of God would have been utterly scattered and certain souls who were the prisoners of their own passions and lusts would have taken into their hands an axe, cutting the root of this Blessed Tree.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan
Stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Hope for the Future
In preparation for the Centenary of the Passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, children around the United Kingdom are sharing stories about His life and character as the Perfect Exemplar. This third story was filmed at Manchester College, Oxford where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke on 31 December 1912. The video is available, here >.
The first story was filmed at Titanic Belfast, on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard where the RMS Titanic was built. The second story was filmed at 17 Royal York Crescent, Bristol, where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed on two occasions. You are encouraged to share these videos with friends and neighbours, on social media and use them in gatherings, children’s classes, junior youth groups and in other settings.
Centenary Plans around Scotland
Children in the Moniaive Peacemakers children’s class are having weekly stories and reflections on the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His visit to Scotland. Ideas for service projects inspired by the Master include recording songs and prayers to share with others and beautifying the school playground. In November, the children will be part of a classroom presentation in school about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and why He is important for Scotland.
Friends in Aberfeldy are planning two informal evenings for their friends. The film about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá coming from the Universal House of Justice will be shown, followed by some arts activity, refreshments and uplifting conversations. It is hoped these conversations will turn into invitations to join a study circle in the weeks that follow the events. They are trying now to have conversations their friends that can lead to invitations to these evenings.
Dundee friends are planning to host several small, home screenings of the film. Each family or nucleus will be inviting friends from their own circles of friends. Smaller gatherings with their personal contacts, they believe, will be more conducive to meaningful conversations and more able to comply with COVID-19 safety precautions.
The Nithsdale Bahá’ís are seeking to collaborate with a local arts centre in Sanquhar to host a small, intimate screening of the film, with hospitality in the cafe alongside storytelling from the local children’s class and junior youth group. It will be an opportunity to invite friends to join study circles and enhance the devotional character of their local area.
New Publications
All households should by now have received two gift books for the Centenary from the National Spiritual Assembly. It is hoped that these two gifts will encourage you in your individual and collective endeavours to follow in the footsteps of our Perfect Exemplar. Further copies to present to friends are now available from Bahá’í Books UK.