The Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Day of the Covenant
18 August 2021
1 Asmá’ 178 B.E.
Contents:
– The Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Day of the Covenant
– Bahá’í Agency For Social and Economic Development [BASED UK]
– Opportunities to serve at the Bahá’í World Centre
– Papua New Guinea: House of Worship superstructure completed
SRL-26115
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To all believers in the United Kingdom
Dearly loved Friends,
The National Spiritual Assembly would like to express its deep joy at learning how the friends are so eagerly and imaginatively drawing on the spiritual potency of this special Centenary year to “befittingly commemorate the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and to honour the Day of the Covenant.” Individuals and communities alike are finding ways to share and explore the life and example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and to bring the message of Bahá’u’lláh to people everywhere.
In the coming months, thoughts will naturally turn to the Holy Days themselves. The National Assembly wishes to encourage the friends to see these two days as separate Holy Days, each with a distinct significance, albeit intimately related. It is confident that the community will commemorate the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, with friends and family in beautiful, diverse and creative ways. Concerning the Day of the Covenant, the Universal House of Justice – in a letter dated 25 November 2020 – has provided us with the following words for our deep reflection:
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 next year, exactly twelve months from now, will be especially meaningful.
As Bahá’ís, we are conscious that we are all one human family and that the profound challenges facing humanity can only be resolved by recognizing and applying this fundamental spiritual truth. We know too that the Covenant is the instrument that will enable humankind to achieve unity, and to guarantee its preservation. “It is evident,” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá tells us, “that the axis of the oneness of the world of humanity is the power of the Covenant and nothing else.”
The Covenant is therefore of great importance to every human being and this year is a special opportunity to proclaim it and explain its importance for the future of humanity and this planet. In doing so, we should reach out to as many people as possible, of all backgrounds and ages. The National Assembly hopes that children, junior youth, and youth will join in this.
Below are a few simple ideas that may help you to think of who to invite to the different gatherings over these special days. The friends could prepare lists of:
- All believers and friends serving in the community;
- All those participating in the various activities;
- Families of all believers and friends serving and those participating in the various activities;
- All those who have participated in Holy Day celebrations in the past, including the bicentenary celebrations;
- Those with whom meaningful conversations have taken place but who may not yet have attended anything;
- Any others who you feel may be interested and who you wish to reach out to.
With the question of who you are going to invite also comes the question of how the invitation is going to be made, so that those coming feel that this is something important for them as well. Section 2 of the second unit of Ruhi Book 2 features a conversation on the oneness of humanity – a subject that can lead directly to a discussion of the Covenant. In Section 7 of the third unit of the same book, there is a short and simple explanation of the station of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that can help us with our invitations as well as our conversations on His life.
The National Assembly hopes that the above thoughts will be helpful to you in your preparations for the Holy Day events. The Assembly will continue to remember you in your efforts to invite as many souls as possible into the shelter and embrace of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Patrick O’Mara,
Secretary
Bahá’í Agency For Social and Economic Development [BASED UK]
BASED UK is a registered charity established by the National Assembly in 1993 “to support social and economic development learning and action as part of the Bahá’í International Community’s commitment to building a more unified, equitable and ever-advancing global civilisation.”
Here is a link to a short survey about the charity’s fundraising activities for those interested in this field of service to complete. It will be available until 31 August. Here is the charity’s website >
Opportunities to serve at the Bahá’í World Centre
As the vital work of the Cause unfolds in every part of the world, the effective functioning of the Bahá’í World Centre takes on added significance. The World Centre of the Faith––described by Shoghi Effendi as the “pivot of the agencies of the New World Order” ––is supported by a flow of believers from a diversity of countries and occupations who arise selflessly to offer a period of service, of varying length, in the Holy Land. The staffing needs at the World Centre are continually changing in light of the evolving demands and available resources. At any given time, there are roles to be filled which require particular competencies or specialized training, and others that simply require a readiness to learn about one’s specific assignment. Due to the nature of service at the World Centre, the essential requirements include an ability to offer 12 months or more and a basic proficiency in English.
Anyone interested in learning more about the possibility of offering a period of service at the World Centre is encouraged to contact the Office of Personnel at serve@bwc.org. Offers of service can also be submitted directly at the website, https://service.bwc.org/..
