Bahá’í News/Issue 268/Text
| ←Previous | Bahá’í News Issue 268 |
Next→ |
 Proofread onceReturn to PDF view
|
| |||
| BAHÁ’Í NEWS | |||
| PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES | |||
| NO. 268 | BAHA’I YEAR 110 | JUNE, 1953 | |
THE GUARDIAN[edit]
"THE PARAMOUNT ISSUE CHALLENGING PROSECUTORS OF THE TEN YEAR PLAN"[edit]
(On) occasion (of the) sixty-first Anniversary (of the) Ascension (of) Bahá’u’lláh, (on the) morrow (of the) opening, initial phase (of the) momentous World Crusade, call upon His followers (in) all continents (to) allow no slackening, nay, (to) insure acceleration (of the) marvelous momentum generated (by the) historic celebrations climaxing (the) festivities (of) Holy Year. (The) dispersal, immediate, determined, sustained (and) universal, throughout (the) unopened territories (of the) planet, (is the) paramount issue challenging (the) spirit (and) resources (of the) privileged prosecutors (of the) Ten-Year Plan (in the) course (of the) current year.
All National Assemblies (are) urged (to) give it priority assignments (in their) national budgets. (The) chief executors (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Plan, (by) virtue (of the) primacy conferred (in) His Tablets, (are) accorded (the) prerogative (to) stimulate (the) vital process (of the) dispersal through (the) dispatch, in addition (to) their alloted tasks, (of) pioneers (to the) virgin territories allocated (to their) sister communities East (and) West.
Once again (I) appeal (to) members (of) all communities (to) arise (and) enlist, ere (the) present opportunity (is) irretrievably lost, (in the) army (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s crusaders. (The) hour (is) ripe (to) disencumber themselves (of) worldly vanities, (to) mount (the) steed (of) steadfastness, unfurl (the) banner (of) renunciation, don (the) armor (of) utter consecration (to) God’s Cause, gird themselves (with the) girdle (of a) chaste (and) holy life, unsheathe (the) sword (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s utterance, buckle on (the) shield (of) His love, carry as sole provision implicit trust (in) His promise, flee (their) homelands, (and) scatter far (and) wide (to) capture (the) unsurrendered territories (of the) entire planet.
Would to God (that) Bahá’í warriors, six score (and) ten, (the) number, required (to) fill (the) gaps (in the) still unconquered territories (of the) globe, (will) promptly arise (and) enroll themselves (to) achieve (the) goals ere (the) conclusion (of the) opening year (of the) decade-long, greatest collective enterprise since (the) memorable episodes associated (with the) Dawn-Breakers (of the) Heroic Age.
Planning (to) inscribe, (in) chronological order, (the) names (of the) spiritual conquerors (on an) illuminated Roll (of) Honor, to be deposited (at the) entrance door (of the) inner Sanctuary (of the) Tomb (of) Bahá’u’lláh, (as a) permanent memorial (of the) contribution (by the) champions (of) His Faith (at the) victorious conclusion (of the) opening campaign (of the) Global Crusade (which is) destined (to) attain consummation (at the) Most Great
Main Approach to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí taken from in front of the Shrine, showing the beautiful entrance gate to the Harami-Aqdas.
[Page 2]
Views of the new entrance to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí near Acca, Israel. Photo at right shows the beautiful detail of new entrance gate.
Jubilee commemorating (the) Centenary (of the) Declaration (of) His
Mission. Anticipate making periodic
announcements (of the) names (of
the) valiant knights upon (their) arrival (at their) posts (to) discharge
(their) historic missions.
Share message National Assemblies (of the) Bahá’í World.
Haifa, Israel
May 28, 1953
"STRONGLY URGE INTENDING PIONEERS"[edit]
Strongly urge intending pioneers scatter as widely as possible, settle even territories, islands not specifically assigned United States. Prompt opening virgin territories highly meritorious, extremely urgent, vital prerequisite insure triumphant conclusion opening phase Global Crusade prerogative chief executors ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Plan. May enrolled pioneers arise (and) confirm primacy American Bahá’í community playing preponderating role (in) initial stage (of) spiritual conquest (of) unopened territories (and) islands (of the) planet.
Haifa, Israel
May 13, 1953
OPENING THE WORLD CRUSADE[edit]
(COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY)
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
In the two cablegrams published above, dated May 13 and May 28, the great Commander of our Bahá’í forces throughout the world has signalled the first, decisive advance. He calls upon the believers of East and West to arise and volunteer for pioneer service in some unoccupied territory of those listed in the World Crusade. The first challenge is to the spirit of faith within the individual Bahá’í — a challenge which we cannot put aside as something for the collective body to undertake.
Pioneering is the supreme assertion of faith in Bahá’u’lláh, the most heroic expression of the will to obey His Call. It is not an institutional action. The pioneer acts as a human being, one man or one woman, in determination to help establish the Kingdom on earth in its destined time of triumph.
Most notable in these messages is their expression of urgency. Now is the time. This is the thing to do.
Next we perceive that the primacy conferred upon America by the Master is conditioned upon the measure of our own deeds in the World Crusade from now until 1963. Yesterday’s action does not weigh in the balance now held. One hundred thirty-one unoccupied territories await. One hundred thirty-one valiant pioneers can bring the light of the Faith to all these areas of the globe. This is the first action of the Crusade.
One notes likewise that Bahá’ís of the United States are not to think only of those places definitely assigned to our community in the Crusade plan. We are held responsible for the placing of pioneers in all one hundred thirty-one territories—that is, in every area assigned to another National Assembly which that Assembly cannot allocate to a pioneer from its own community, a pioneer from the United States is to settle.
One hundred and thirty-one pioneer settlements before April 30, 1954: that is what the Bahá’ís of the world are given to do.
What greater evidence of the urgency, the vital importance, the glory of this first step in world regeneration, than the Guardian’s plan of inscribing the names of the World Crusade pioneers on an illuminated Roll of Honor, in chronological order, and depositing this Roll as a permanent Memorial at the entrance door of the inner Sanctuary of the Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh!
| Views of the construction of the
Shrine of the Báb showing scaffolding erected preparatory to completion of final work on the Dome. The center view is taken from the western approaches of the Gardens, showing the Dome ready for pouring of concrete for base of the golden titles. |
All those pioneers who volunteered their services at the All-America Intercontinental Conference, or since, or who made their offer before the Conference convened, have received a questionnaire providing for very important information. As these are filled out and returned to the National Assembly, they are carefully gone over by a special committee, sorted out, and prepared for distribution to the various Intercontinental Teaching Committees.
In order that all our facilities and resources may be concentrated on the work of the World Crusade, the National Spiritual Assembly has appointed a Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee, a European Teaching Committee, an Africa Teaching Committee, and an Asia Teaching Committee, each having responsibility for the different aspects of the World Crusade Plan within its respective area.
For the work within the United States, a new teaching structure has been created, consisting of a National Teaching Committee and a number of Area Teaching Committees. This simplifies the structure by eliminating one level of administrative action and contributes to the resources of teaching by freeing hundreds of trained and devoted believers from obligations in connection with the former Regional Committees.
There are, therefore, five World Crusade Teaching Committees, since the National Teaching Committee, with its Area Teaching Committees, has World Crusade goals to attain within our own community. Each of these Committees will announce its general plans and report regularly on its activities through BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
BAHÁ’Í NEWS, as the organ of World Crusade activity and planning—since news of the work of other National Assemblies will be featured—becomes the indispensable link between the Bahá’í and the new world of the Kingdom.
"ESTEEMED VETERAN OF FAITH"[edit]
“Share grief (at) passing (of) esteemed veteran (of) Faith, Maria Ioas. Soul rejoicing (in the) Abhá Kingdom (at the) services rendered (by her) dear son (at the) World Center (of the) Faith (in the) triple function (of) Hand (of the) Cause, Secretary-General (of the) Council (and) Supervisor (of) construction (of the) dome (of the) Báb’s Sepulchre.”
MESSAGE FROM THE GUARDIAN TO THE FIRST ITALO-SWISS CONVENTION, FLORENCE, APRIL 23-26, 1953[edit]
Hail (with) feelings (of) joy pride (and) gratitude (the) convocation amidst (the) celebrations (of the) Holy Year (in the) heart (of the) Italian peninsula (the) first historic Bahá’í Convention, comprising (the) elected delegates (of the) steadily unfolding highly promising Italian-Swiss Bahá’í communities. Acclaim (the) gathering (of the) fairest fruit (of the) initial enterprise launched (in the) pursuance (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan (in the) European continent. Heartily congratulate (the) assembled representatives (of these) two outstanding communities (of the) ten European goal countries (in the) rapid rise (of the) administrative order (of the) Faith (in the) heart (and) south (of the) continent, enabling them (to) outstrip (their) sister communities (and to) set (the) example (by the) erection (of a) pillar (of the) Universal House (of) Justice (the) third (in) Europe (and) twelfth (in the) Bahá’í World. (The) National Assembly now being constituted (is) regarded (as a) stepping stone (in the) formation (of the) course (of the) impending decade-long crusade (of) two independent National Spiritual Assemblies, destined (to) each lend (an) impetus (to the) unfoldment (and) consolidation (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s embryonic World Order.
(This) infant institution (is) invested (on the) morrow (of) its emergence
[Page 4]
View at left shows base of the Dome of the Shrine of the Báb with first 45 golden tiles in position; single tile at right of photo marks the place where the Beloved Guardian reverently imbedded, within a silver case, a piece of the plaster from the ceiling of the prison room at Máh-Ku where the Báb was incarcerated. The Guardian also set this golden tile. The view at right is of a bell crown of the lantern of the Dome.
(with) two vital functions, (to)
stimulate (the) propagation (of the)
Faith (and to) consolidate (its) institutions (over the) length (and)
breadth (of) Switzerland (and the)
Italian Peninsula. (The) Ten Year
Plan (the) newly born National Spiritual Assembly (is) called upon (to)
prosecute involves, first, (the) formation (and) incorporation (of) independent National Spiritual Assemblies (in) Italy (and) Switzerland, second, (the) consolidation (of
the) Faith (on the) island (of) Corsica, third, (the) opening (of the)
virgin territories (of) Sicily, Sardinia, Rhodes, San Marino, Monaco
(and) Lichtenstein. Fourth, quadrupling (the) number (of) local spiritual assemblies, trebling (the) number (of) localities (in) Italy (and)
Switzerland, fifth, (the) purchase
(of) land (in the) city (of) Rome (in)
anticipation (of the) first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár (of) Italy, sixth, (the) incorporation (of the) spiritual assemblies
(of the) leading cities (in) each country, seventh, (the) establishment (of)
National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds (in) Rome
(and) Bern, eighth, (the) establishment (of the) first joint, subsequently
separate summer schools, ninth,
(the) establishment (of) national endowments (in) Italy (and) Switzerland, tenth, (the) formation (of a)
European teaching committee empowered (to) stimulate (and) coordinate (the) activities initiated (for
the) promotion (of the) teaching
phase (of the) plan.
Fervently praying (that the) strenuous tasks shouldered (by the) youngest National Spiritual Assembly (of the) Bahá’í World (will) be befittingly discharged, enabling it (to) contribute (a) distinct share (in the) world wide festivities which will commemorate (the) Hundredth Anniversary (of the) Declaration (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s Mission (in the) city (of) Baghdád.
(Complete Report on the Italo-Swiss Convention on Page 7.)
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE PIONEERS[edit]
Before, during and since the Intercontinental Conference, a gratifying number of Bahá’ís have offered to pioneer. These friends, as well as believers who volunteer from now on, are being supplied with a letter of grateful appreciation and a Questionnaire to be filled out and returned promptly to the National Spiritual Assembly.
The details provided by the Questionnaire are essential information for the various World Crusade Committees who will conduct the new projects in the Americas, Africa, Europe and the Orient. All Questionnaires received by the National Assembly will be referred to the proper committee for further action.
Pioneering is the most urgent, compelling and glorious of Bahá’í
[Page 5]
Delegates and Friends at the 24th annual Bahá’í Convention and Jubilee Week Celebrations held in New Delhi, India, from April 26 to May 2, 1953.
services at this time, as all who attended the Conference and heard the
Guardian’s Messages are thoroughly
aware. A tidal wave of new spiritual
energy sweeps through the Bahá’í
community, creating forceful determination to win the supreme victory
of 1963.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS[edit]
GERMANY AND AUSTRIA[edit]
Nine new Bahá’í communities have been established in Germany during the past year, as one of the goals of their Five-Year Plan. This has been possible only through the greatest sacrifice, dedication and cooperative effort of isolated Bahá’ís, established communities and pioneers. The new communities are Ebingen, Ulm, Giessen, Heilbronn, Freiburg i. Breisgau, Ludwigsburg, Bad Canstatt, Tübingen and Bonn raising to twenty-four the number of local Spiritual Assemblies now established in Germany and Austria. Two-fifths of the work that contributed to the success of the Five-Year Plan was done in the last year.
CENTRAL AMERICA[edit]
Third Central American Convention Held at Havana[edit]
The National Convention of Central America was held in Havana, Cuba, on April 23, 24 and 25, followed by school sessions on April 26 and 27. A public meeting was held on April 25th.
Bahá’í in the News[edit]
Spotlight, a widely circulated English magazine in Jamaica, published an illustrated article on the Bahá’í Faith, and on the International Events taking place.
Weekly Broadcasts in Panama City[edit]
Radio Station, The Voice of Panama, is giving 15 minutes of free time for weekly Bahá’í broadcasts in Panama City.
Panama Communities Consult On World Crusade[edit]
An Inter-Community meeting was held on February 8 with friends attending from the cities of Colon, Panama, and the group in the Canal Zone.
Mr. George T. Daniels of the Special Area in Caribbean Section, Trusteeship Division of the United Nations, spoke at the morning session, and told of some of his activities.
The Guardian’s cable of October 8, 1952, Launching the World Embracing Spiritual Crusade, was the principal topic of the program. This was divided into the following parts to facilitate study: The World Center, Consolidation, and Extension of the Faith during 1953 to 1963.
SOUTH AMERICA[edit]
Third South American Convention at Lima, Peru[edit]
The Third South American Convention was held in Lima, Peru, from April 22 to April 25. The Convention was preceded by a three-day Convention School. Two public meetings were held during the Convention.
The following National Spiritual Assembly was elected for the coming year: Mrs. Margot Worley, Miss Mercedes Sanchez, Mrs. Gayle Woolson, Miss Dorothy Campbell, Mrs. Fabienne Guillon, Mr. Jorge Bejar, Miss Eve Nicklin, Mr. Edmund Miessler, Mr. Athos Costas.
FAITH[edit]
Faith is a great and important
factor of achievement. Enlightened
faith has, in addition to the automotive power which even a blind
zeal bestows, the perfect chart for
arriving at the aimed-for goals.
From “The Next Hundred Years” by
Stanwood Cobb, Bahá’í World Vol. XI
— Page 685.
View at left is of the World Government Forum at New Delhi, India with Shri Jaipal Singh, M.P. speaking and James B. Orrick, Director of UN Information Center at New Delhi, Shri M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar, Deputy Speaker of the Indian Parliament, Shri A. Rahman of the National Bahá’í Assembly of India, Pakistan and Burma, Dr. Anup Singh, M.P., seated at the right. At right are shown participants in the All Faiths Convention, Mr. Mehdi Samimi of Irán, Shri A. Rahman, and Hon. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Minister of Health of India, as presiding chairman.
Symposium on the Status of Women, with Miss Monira Yaganegi, Mrs. Rukmini Devi Arundale, Begum Aizaz Rasul, Chairman, Mrs. Manmohini Sehgal, and Mrs. Sushama Sen.
Another view of the All Faiths Convention
Director of UN Information at New Delhi Speaks[edit]
The Bahá’ís of India celebrated the Centenary period with a week of outstanding events that included an All Faiths Convention, a Forum on World Government, a Symposium on the Status of Women and the 24th Annual Bahá’í Convention.
The Forum on World Government included Mr. James B. Orrick, Director of UN Information Center at New Delhi, Shri M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar, Deputy Speaker of the Indian Parliament (Chairman), Shri A. Rahman of the National Bahá’í Assembly of India, Pakistan and Burma, Dr. Anup Singh, M.P. and Shri Jaipal Singh, M.P. The January, 1953 issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS (page 11) carries a report on a farewell party given by the Bahá’ís in New York City for Mr. Orrick, Chief of the Department of Public Information for the UN Non-Governmental Organizations, just before his departure for New Delhi.
The deliberations of the All Faiths Convention held on April 30 were presided over by Hon. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Minister of Health, of the Government of India. Mehdi Samimi of Írán and Mr. A. Rahman of the National Bahá’í Assembly of India, Pakistan and Burma also took part.
Another significant event was the Symposium on the Status of Women with Miss Monira Yaganegi of Poona, Mrs. Rukmini Devi Arundale, Begum Aizaz Rasul (Chairman), M.Ps., Mrs. Manmohini Sehgal and Mrs. Sushama Sen, M.P. participating.
General Sir Gerald Templar sent a letter from the King’s House, Kuala Lumpur, Malaya, to the Centenary Celebration, containing the following message:
“On behalf of the five million people of all races and faiths in the Federation of Malaya, I wish the 1953 Centenary Celebrations of the Bahá’í Faith all possible success and I hope and feel sure that your endeavours will bring closer that era of universal fellowship and peace which we are all striving, in our different ways, to bring about.”
[Page 7]
Friends and delegates gathered for the First Italo-Swiss Convention at Florence, Italy, April 23-26, 1953.
THE FIRST ITALO-SWISS CONVENTION — FLORENCE, ITALY[edit]
“URGE CONVOCATION RIḌVÁN .... CITY FLORENCE (UPON THE) OCCASION FESTIVITIES BAHÁ’Í HOLY YEAR FIRST CONVENTION ....”
On the evening of April 23, 1953, these words of the beloved Guardian took form as the Italian and Swiss Friends clasped hands in the “City of the Lily”—in the “City of the Spirit”!
Joyous yet awesome feelings filled the heart as we entered the inner court of the Palazzo Solembene, monument of the Renaissance, and gazed up the tall columns to the arched frescoes framing them. Renaissance!—were we not here to herald the rebirth of the spirit? Columns!—were we not here to erect the “Twelfth Pillar” in the celestial plan of the same Divine Artist who inspired a Michelangelo and Leonardo, a Dante and Galileo?
Up the sweeping stairway, in the home of Mrs. Marion Little, Convention Arrangements Chairman, where the Friends were being welcomed, the answer beamed from every face. The National Spiritual Assembly of the United States was officially there too, in the cherished person of Miss Edna True, its Recording Secretary, and a bit later in Mr. Paul Haney, its Chairman, flying in from Haifa, ex-uberant with the love he was transporting from the Guardian to all of the Friends.
At 9:30 the following morning, in that atmosphere of consecration peculiar to impending great events, Mr. Haney opened the Convention, Dr. Ugo Giachery, Hand of the Cause of God, reciting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Visitation Tablet:—“Lord ..... make me as dust in the pathway of Thy loved ones .... !” The Master who had lived these words, was listening, for today no lesser responsibility devolves upon every member of a dedicated Bahá’í World Community.
First transmitting the loving wishes of the Guardian, the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and the entire American Community, Mr. Haney stressed the historic importance of the rising Twelfth Pillar of the Universal House of Justice, and the unique distinction of its erection in this Holy Year, recalling too, as impetus to the Friends, the following promise given Bahá’u’lláh in Síyáh-Chál: — “Ere long will God raise up the treasures of the earth—men who will aid Thee through Thyself and through Thy Name ....”
Miss True then called the Roll of Delegates, which revealed eighteen present, one absent. Preceded by prayer, the election of permanent Convention officers took place, with Dr. Ugo Giachery elected Chairman and Mrs. Anne Lynch, Secretary.
In throbbing expectation the forty-eight Friends present heard the Guardian’s Convention Message with its ten vital assignments, all to be consummated in the decade ahead. What glory had suddenly come to our young Community, to be charged with the spiritual destiny of other lands! In this signal Message, the
[Page 8]
Guardian’s words of encouragement
rise to words of challenge, and these
to words of hope, culminating in VICTORY. I quote but three excerpts
from its upward-surging contents,
since the complete text is given elsewhere in this issue:—
“HAIL FEELINGS JOY PRIDE GRATITUDE CONVOCATION AMIDST CELEBRATIONS HOLY YEAR HEART ITALIAN PENINSULA FIRST HISTORIC BAHÁ’Í CONVENTON COMPRISING ELECTED DELEGATES STEADILY UNFOLDING HIGHLY PROMISING ITALIAN - SWISS BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITIES”
“CONSOLIDATION FAITH ISLAND CORSICA .... OPENING VIRGIN TERRITORIES SICILY SARDINIA RHODES SAN MARINO MONACO LICHTENSTEIN” FERVENTLY PRAYING STRENUOUS TASKS SHOULDERED YOUNGEST NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY BAHÁ’Í WORLD BE BEFITTINGLY DISCHARGED ENABLING IT CONTRIBUTE DISTINCT SHARE WORLD - WIDE FESTIVITIES WHICH WILL COMMEMORATE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY DECLARATION BAHÁ’U’LLÁH’S MISSION CITY BAGHDAD.”
Lively discussion of the Guardian’s Message quickly fanned the pioneering urge into flame. The spirit of unified action mounted, reaching a high point when Mr. Shahpour Rassekh recommended setting the Temple Land Fund for Rome into motion “here and now”! With one acclaim the idea was adopted! The realization that the infant Assembly would be assuming responsibilities as definite as those of its eleven sister Pillars, grew still more vivid as Mr. Haney gave the four objectives which the Guardian has made the common cause of all National Assemblies in the coming World Crusade:—namely, 1) the development of the institutions at the World Center; 2) the consolidation and strengthening of the Faith in the twelve territories having National Spiritual Assemblies; 3) the consolidation of the Faith in all territories already opened to it, and 4) the opening of the remaining virgin territories of the entire planet.
The European Teaching Committee’s fledglings, soon to soar on their own power, fluttered a bit at the magnitude of their new tasks. At just this moment Miss True arose and read the European Teaching Committee’s congratulatory message with its exhilarating spirit of confidence and faith in the young Assembly. Other heartening messages from East and West followed.
Consultation concerning National Endowments led to a recommendation that the new National Spiritual Assembly study the proper method of making a will, and issue the necessary instructions to all of the Friends. Mr. Haney spoke in detail on the Institution of the National Fund, pointing out the Assembly’s obligations in this direction. “Though the Bahá’í viewpoint on finances is new and different,” he remarked, “in that all contributions are voluntary, yet the Fund remains, as the Guardian has said, ‘the bedrock on which all other institutions must necessarily rest and be established.’ Viewed purely through human eyes, the work thus far accomplished in the Cause and embracing the development of its institutions, appears, in relation to the number of its members, an impossibility. Only through sacrifice and whole-hearted devotion have the results we see before us, been achieved. The Convention in Florence is an example of the fruit of such sacrifice. ‘All must contribute,’ the Guardian recently remarked, ‘for this signifies unity. Not the size of the contribution but the degree of sacrifice is the important thing.’ ”
Evening brought the hallowed joy of the Riḍván Feast. In the Grand Hotel’s gleaming salon this “Festival of God” was held. Here myriads of rose-hued lights merged with the deep rose azaleas that lined the podium and with the vari-colored roses that betokened Riḍván. If this earthly beauty spoke to us of heaven, what, then, was the transcendent vision of Bahá’u’lláh as he uttered His Riḍván Call:— “Guide then, the people unto the Garden of Delight which God hath made the throne of His Paradise!”
Strains of Bach preceded the happy words of greeting and gratitude expressed by Mrs. Marion Little and Mrs. Gladys Vautier, charming Co-chairmen of the evening, and by Mr. Guilio Jacoviello. Deeply impressive Riḍván excerpts from the Holy Writings were read in various tongues by eighteen of the Friends. The major talk of the evening —“The Significance of the Riḍván Feast”, was presented by Mr. Paul Haney, whose glowing description of the Riḍván celebration which he was privileged to experience on April 21 in the presence of the beloved Guardian, the Friends and Pilgrims, warmed every heart. “The Feast of Riḍván”, Mr. Haney remarked, “is the most auspicious event in the history of the world, since it marks the declaration of Bahá’u’lláh, the Supreme Manifestation of God for the next 500,000 years. Especially significant is the Riḍván of 1953 occurring in the heart of the Holy Year, which commemorates the birth of Bahá’u’lláh’s Mission and launches the World Crusade.”
Music closed the formal program but the evening held still another unforgettable hour as we gathered about tiny tables and mingled material and spiritual refreshment. As parting gift the heaping basket-bouquet was passed, and each Friend drew the rose of his favorite color—a Riḍván rose!
On Saturday morning, April 25, the momentous event glimpsed in perspective for more than a year — the formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Italy and Switzerland — suddenly rose before us. Divine privilege and divine responsibility joined hands in the greatest spiritual opportunity ever to enter our Bahá’í lives! A majestic World Crusade already beckons “Forward” ! Forward in the heroic determination expressed by our beloved Guardian:—“Never to flinch, never to hesitate, never to relax”!
Following the helpful spiritual and administrative counsel on election procedure given by Mr. Haney, Miss True and Dr. Giachery, the honored Delegates, fortified by prayer, cast their ballots for the new Assembly. Results showed the following membership:—Dr. Ugo Giachery, Mr. Friedrich Schär, Dr. Alessandro Bausani, Mrs. Marion Little, Prof. Mario Fiorentini, Mrs. Anna Kunz, Mrs. Stella Lonzar, Mrs. Anne Lynch, Miss Elsa Steinmetz.
[Page 9]
Much interest was excited among
the Friends as our Chairman showed
the new statistical booklet prepared
by the Guardian covering the development of the Faith to date and outlining the plan for universal expansion in the next ten years. In
viewing the overwhelming “World
Crusade Map” depicting the foreign
assignments allotted the twelve National Spiritual Assemblies for execution, one gives thanks for the
assurance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, that “no
capacity is limited when led by the
Spirit of God”.
A surprise gift, rare in historical interest, was sent by the Guardian through Dr. Giachery, and consisted of two Tablets written by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá shortly before His passing, to Mrs. J. A. Burr of Florence, the first Believer in this city and the first to kindle the light of the Cause of Italy.
Eleven “Letters of Acclamation” written by our eleven sister National Assemblies — each individual in style — each glowing with warm welcome, with affection and encouragement, were read by Miss True and Mr. Haney, who then presented them, handsomely bound in leather, to the new Assembly for “permanent inspiration”.
“ADVISE EUROPEAN TEACHING COMMITTEE UPON CONSUMMATION GLORIOUS ISSUE FORMAL INVITATION THEIR SPIRITUAL OFFSPRING NEWLY EMERGED NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PARTICIPATE TOGETHER SISTER NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES UNITED STATES BRITISH ISLES GERMANY INTERCONTINENTAL CONFERENCE AUGUST SAME YEAR CAPITOL CITY SWEDEN!”
Dreams DO come true! This thrilling proposal in the Guardian’s Message of March 9, 1952, became the reality he foresaw, as Miss True read the ETC’s loving letter of invitation to Stockholm.
Joyous excitement took no end! A heavy gift-package revealed the new Assembly’s Official Seal, engraved in three languages — Italian, French and German — presented by the ETC. Ardently we hope that in the varying hours of light and shadow in the Holy Crusade, its imprint may accompany news of countless victories — heroic, selfless acts in tribute to the “Commander of the Divine Plan”!
Nor did the ETC forget a gift supply of Credential Cards for international travel. Spiritual passports for dauntless Crusaders!
Expressing infinite gratitude to the ETC and the National Spiritual Assembly, United States, through Miss True and Mr. Haney, whose guidance was still to be our chief ally at the initial meeting of the newly born Assembly at the Grand Hotel Saturday, our Chairman appointed Mrs. Fritzi Shaver and Miss Honor Kempton as temporary Chairman and Secretary respectively, supplanting himself and Mrs. Anne Lynch. Saturday afternoon’s Convention session dealing with Teaching Work, brought out such salient recommendations as the use of vacations for teaching purposes and the development of a brief history of the Faith in Italy, Switzerland, and Corsica.
A study course on the Covenant prepared by Mrs. Anne Lynch, based on excerpts from the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, was presented Saturday evening. Special emphasis was laid upon the high moral responsibility of the individual Bahá’í. Paralleling this splendid course, Mrs. Teresina Gasperi-Campani spoke Sunday morning on the Administrative Order, stressing particularly the position of the Guardian.
A spirit of love and enthusiasm filled the cup to overflowing, when, in the heart of the discussion, the beloved Guardian’s Cable in response to our Convention Message, was presented by Dr. Giachery:—
“DEEPLY APPRECIATE MESSAGE WELCOME NOBLE DETERMINATION LOVE SHOGHI”
At our parting session Sunday afternoon, and with the Guardian’s Convention Message as keynote, Dr. Giachery reviewed the high points of our First Italo-Swiss Convention. “Six years ago,” he remarked, “who would have dreamed that we should meet in Florence today; and that our two countries would be joined in an undertaking whose vastness leaves us aghast? Let each one of us take inventory and realize what his share in effort, dedication and sacrifice must be!
The officers of the Assembly were then announced:—
- Dr. Ugo Giachery, Chairman
- Mr. Friedrich Schär, Vice-Chairman
- Mrs. Anna Kunz, Secretary
- Miss Elsa Steinmetz, Recording Secretary
- Mrs. Anne Lynch, Treasurer
- Prof. Mario Fiorentini, Assistant Treasurer
The National Office is to be located at the home of Mrs. Anna Kunz, Secretary, 38 Rämistrasse, Zürich 1.
Grateful mention was again made of the two precious Tablets presented by the Guardian, who so significantly selected Florence, the birthplace of the Cause in Italy, for the Convention. Touching tribute was paid Miss Dagmar Dole for her teaching work of several months in Naples and Milan.
All other gifts were again acknowledged, with a new one added — $1500 from the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States for our National Fund. Assurance was given that this sum, a real sacrifice, would be spent with utmost wisdom.
A total of $85.00 was announced as the Convention’s contribution to the Temple Land Fund for Rome.
The Delegates were then invited to present recommendations to the National Spiritual Assembly. Those given comprised largely the proposals made at the Convention Session on Teaching.
In closing, Dr. Giachery praised all assembled for the mature and harmonious manner in which the Convention proceeded and extended deepest thanks successively to the beloved Guardian for whom all turned for a moment in silent prayer; to both the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and the European Teaching Committee whose combined and immeasurable efforts have been the backbone of our progress; to the ever-helpful Geneva Office; to the Convention Committee of Arrangements — Mrs. Marion Little, Chairman, Mrs. Stella Lonzar, and Mr. Guilio Jacoviello, whose immense preparatory work stretched over many months; to the entire Florence Community for its kind hospitality, with special gratitude to Mrs. Marion Little for so graciously housing the entire Convention in her beautiful home, omitting not a detail in facilitating comfort and smooth functioning.
[Page 10]
Our Public Meeting was yet to
come. By five o’clock an eager audience filled the room to hear Dr. Giachery’s talk entitled “On the Threshold of World Civilization”. Mrs.
Stella Lonzar, Chairman, presided.
Dr. Giachery developed his theme on the premise that the universal fermentation so obvious in all departments of life today, is being impelled by two processes — one integrating, the other disintegrating; the first gradually evolving a system destined to serve as a “Pattern for Future Society”, the second tearing down with force every barrier to the attainment of this system. Asserting that the light of the Bahá’í Revelation is the power motivating both processes, our speaker showed with dynamic certainty that the development of modern science, the introduction of sweeping social reforms, the growing recognition of the basic truths in all great religions, the desire for world peace, and the emergence of world government, synchronize, one and all, with the unfolding of the Bahá’í World Faith — a revelation precipitating a mighty spiritual rebirth destined in turn to culminate in an “ideal World Order, in universal consciousness of world citizenship and in a world culture expressive of the first spiritual civilization in the history of mankind”.
The intense interest which the speaker’s presentation awakened, could be measured by the late hour to which many of the guests lingered,, and the flow of questions asked.
Legend relates that the City of Florence was born in a field of roses when a magic powder made by the Muses was strewn over it, bringing forth a bevy of happy and beautiful young people. Today it is our hope that the fragrance of the Word of God, diffused from the First Italo-Swiss Convention, may give birth to a host of spiritual heirs in the “City of the Lily” — in the “City of the Spirit”!
Elsa Steinmetz
Basel, Switzerland
Pioneers, delegates, visitors from many lands gather with the new African believers at the first Inter-continental Conference recently held at Kampala, Uganda in Africa.
|
INTERNATIONAL BAHA'I SCHOOL
Special Sessions on World Crusade International Bahá’í School, Pine Valley, Colorado will open for a two-week period beginning July 19th, Sunday. There will be two sessions of one week each starting on Sundays, July 19th and 26th. Arrival dates are the Saturdays before each session. These two concentrated sessions will be devoted to the study of subjects related to the carrying out of the Ten Year Crusade. Reservations should be made early through Mrs. Gladys Roberts, Secretary Programing Committee, International Bahá’í School, Box 1003, Colorado Springs, Colorado. The cost is $35.00 per week per person. |
NATIONAL NEWS[edit]
FAITH IN ACTION[edit]
The American Jubilee celebrations attracted widespread publicity, particularly in the Chicago area.
The complete story of the excellent newspaper, magazine, newsreel, radio and television coverage given these events will be carried in a special Jubilee Issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
The Cleveland Board of Education has recognized the Faith as an independent religion and has granted to Bahá’í parents the privilege of requesting in writing that their children be excused from attendance at school on the Bahá’í Holy Days.
Good news from Alaska is the imminent formation of the first Bahá’í Group in Fairbanks, in the central portion of the territory.
Honolulu, Hawaii reports its first all Bahá’í wedding, held in the Honolulu Bahá’í Center.
CONCORDANCE ON BAHA'I BOOKS PLANNED[edit]
National Reference Library Needs Helpers[edit]
The National Reference Library Committee is making plans to compile an index and concordance for all Bahá’í books. This concordance and index will eventually be made into a Union Library Card System so that ready reference can be made to any subject in the Writings.
This tremendous project is vitally important and the Committee urgently requests helpers to volunteer for this work. You do not have to be trained or experienced. The Committee will send complete instructions. Please contact Mrs. Dorothy Petersen, Secretary, 2557 North 69th Street, Wauwatosa, 10, Wisconsin.
BAHA'I PUBLIC WORSHIP[edit]
Following dedication of the House of Worship by Bahá’ís on Friday, May 1, and its public dedication Saturday, May 2, a weekly service of public worship has been conducted each Sunday at 3:30 P.M. in the Temple auditorium by a committee appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly.
The Guardian’s memorable statement of dedication, read by Rúḥíyyih Khánum May 2, included these significant words: “This House of Worship, now opening wide its doors to peoples of all creeds, of all races, of all nations and of all classes, is dedicated to the three fundamental verities animating and underlying the Bahá’í Faith—the Unity of God, the Unity of His Prophets, the Unity of Mankind.”
In this statement we have the perfect formulation of purpose to guide those who prepare the readings and those who select the music which together constitute public worship in the one Bahá’í Temple now existing in the entire world.
In the spirit of the Guardian’s classic phrase, and following the pattern set in the service of public dedication, the committee has prepared selected readings from the authentic Holy Scriptures of the various religions, particularly from the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Qur’án, and the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh.
Some six services have now been conducted, the music consisting of three a cappella songs rendered by a trained group of eight voices, this being the function of another committee.
Several hundred persons, Bahá’ís and guests, have attended. Many guests have spoken of the inspiration they received, not only from the majestic beauty of the Temple interior but also from their realization, for the first time, that the Prophets have revealed one continuous body of truth.
The National Assembly has authorized the Temple Worship Committee to send mimeographed copies of the weekly service to those requesting it.
BAHA'I NEWS SERVICE[edit]
Please mail all publicity clippings to the Bahá’í News Service, Mrs. Nina Matthisen, Secretary, 77 E. Cedar Street, Chicago, Illinois
Send one copy of small publicity items and two copies of more important or significant articles and ads.
| PHOTOGRAPHS OF WORLD CENTER | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (There are less than 100 sets of these photos remaining and this will be the last of the supply.) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The complete set sells for $5.70. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Send Money Order or check to: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mrs. Dorothy V. Petersen | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2557 North 69 Street | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wauwatosa 10, Wis. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[Page 12]
Photostatic copy of letter from General Sir Gerald Templar sent to the India Centenary Celebration in New Delhi.
NEW PUBLICATIONS[edit]
The Báb’s Address to the Letters of the Living. Attractively printed in green ink on grey paper. 4 pp., 8½ by 5½. Each, $.10; 50 copies, $4.50.
Literature Catalogs have been sent to all librarians and regular accounts as well as special, individual requests. Additional copies may be ordered at five cents each to cover mailing and handling.
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
- Mrs. Anna Flagg, Milford, Ohio, April 2, 1953
- Dr. Evangeline Caven, Encino, Calif., April 5, 1953
- Dr. Robert Pettet, Lake Geneva, Wis., April 18, 1953
- Mrs. Ida Tilson, Milwaukee, Wis., April 10, 1953
CALENDAR OF EVENTS[edit]
Holy Days:
- July 9, Martyrdom of the Báb
Jubilee Celebrations:
- 3rd Bahá’í Intercontinental Conference. Stockholm, Sweden—July 21-26
- 4th Bahá’í Intercontinental Conference, New Delhi, India—October 7-15
Feasts:
- June 5—Núr, Light
- June 24—Raḥmat, Mercy
- July 13—Kalimát, Words
National Assembly Meetings:
- June 12, 13, 14
- July 10, 11, 12
Summer School Sessions:
- Geyserville—June 28 to August 2, 1953
- Louhelen—July 5 to September 7, 1953
- Green Acre—July 13 to September 7, 1953
- International School—July 19 to Aug. 2, 1953
MARRIAGES[edit]
Salt Lake City, Utah, Miss Helga Johnson to Mr. Carroll Hummel. January 15, 1953
Washington, D.C., Miss Marjorie Newman to Mr. David Nixon. April 4, 1953
Los Angeles, California, Miss Gloria Dorian to Mr. Hiram E. Webb. Date not reported
San Francisco, Calif., Miss Sophia M. Dell’Orto to Mr. Wesley Baker, April 18, 1953
Los Angeles, California, Miss Annette Dingham to Mr. Ken Frederics April 18, 1953
Toledo, Ohio, Mrs. Irene M. Hughes to Mr. Marvin Bibby March 27, 1953
Los Angeles, Calif., Miss Patricia Ann Tilton to Mr. John F. Gibson April 18, 1953
BAHÁ’Í NEWS is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. Copies are sent without charge to Bahá’ís throughout the United States, and to Bahá’í administrative bodies in other lands. Its purpose is to keep members of the Faith informed of international, national and local Bahá’í developments, and serve as an organ for the distribution of messages written by the Guardian of the Faith, the International Bahá’í Council, and the general announcements prepared by the American National Spiritual Assembly.
Reports, plans, news items and photographs of general interest are requested from national committees and local assemblies of the United States as well as from National Assemblies of other lands. Material is due in Wilmette on the first day of the month preceding the date of issue for which it is intended.
BAHA’I NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee. The Committee for 1952-1953: Mrs. Eunice Braun,
Managing Editor; Mr. William C. Henning, Miss Farrukh Ioas, Mrs. Ruth Jones, Miss Joan Lozier, Mr. Robert Moul.
Editorial Office: 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.
Change of Address should be reported directly to National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.
