From Sooke to Sidney, the Bahá’ís of south Vancouver Island will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet-founder of the Bahá’í Faith, the focus of whose teachings is building a unified world. “Let your vision be world-embracing,” Bahá’u’lláh said. “The world is one country, and mankind its citizens.”
Throughout the Capital Region and around the planet, events small and large have been planned to celebrate Bahá’u’lláh’s birth and life.
There are thirteen Bahá’í communities in southern Vancouver Island. You are warmly invited to attend whichever event is closest to you, and to get to know your Bahá’í neighbours.
All celebrations are free of charge to the general public, although some require reservations to make sure there’s adequate space. In those cases, please send an email to the appropriate address below indicating the number of people.
Victoria:
The Gathering, the premiere of a musical drama blending music and dance to tell the story of an indigenous youth’s search for meaning. To be held at Glenlyon Norfolk School Theatre, 801 Bank St., Victoria, on Friday, October 20th and Saturday, October 21st. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served after each show. Free tickets at thegathering200@gmail.com
Saanich Peninsula:
An additional performance is being sponsored by the Bahá’í communities of the Saanich Peninsula. The event titled “Light of Unity” will be held at Parkland Secondary School theatre, 10640 McDonald Park Rd, North Saanich, on Sunday, October 22nd, at 2 p.m. Doors open 1:30 p.m. The celebration will be followed by light refreshments. No tickets are necessary.
Esquimalt:
“Celebration of the Unity of Mankind”, an afternoon of food, music and dancing, featuring the music of Solaris, at the Esquimalt Nation Big House. Registration required: sslobodian@gmail.com
Langford:
The Bahá’í communities of Langford, Metchosin, Colwood, and Highlands are hosting a gathering at Belmont Secondary School 3041 Langford lake Rd , Saturday, October 21st, beginning at 6:00 pm with dessert and an audio-visual display in the lobby, followed by a dynamic program at 7:30 p.m. No registration required. For information: lsa.langford@gmail.com
View Royal:
The community of View Royal will hold a special celebration on Saturday, October 21st starting at 6 p.m. at The Roundhouse on Burnside Road West. Registration required: Viewroyal.lsa@gmail.com
Sooke:
A joyful, family-style evening celebration on Saturday, October 21st, on Woodlands Rd. beginning with a potluck supper at 5:30 p.m. Registration required: lsasooke@shaw.ca
More information on the Bahá’í Faith can be found at www.bahai.org A press release for The Gathering is on the Victoria Bahá’í website, http://victoriabahai.org
