Purpose

In every setting, there is pure joy in engaging other souls in meaningful and uplifting conversations that lead, whether quickly or gradually, to the stirring of spiritual susceptibilities.

— Universal House of Justice, message to the Bahá’ís of the World, Ridván 2019

Supporting a surge of meaningful engagement

A surge of meaningful engagement by as many souls as possible in this centenary year — in order to befittingly honour the beloved Master. This is the aim toward which the Bahá’í community is striving.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá speaks to today’s world through the timeless relevance of his insights and example. Let us set ourselves to sharing the gifts He longs to channel through us, in uplifting encounters that engage with a total of at least 30,000 people.

This site offers information and inspiration in support of our centenary efforts.

• The Centenary Resources section contains a storehouse of documents, videos, and useful links.

• The Centenary Projects section shows examples of projects and ideas being carried out in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Widening the range of spaces

Souls may become involved with the centenary through a wide variety of spaces, events and activities leading up to and including the key holy days at the end of November. A few examples include:

• Collective teaching campaigns as a gift to the memory of the Master

• Gatherings organised by youth for their peers

• Animated presentations of historical events associated with the Master

• Conversations on the needs of society, personal spirituality, the purpose of religion, etc.

• Children’s festivals and whanau days

• The creation of artistic works that express the spirit of the occasion

Enhancing our capacity for meaningful conversation

All such spaces hold the potential for engaging in meaningful conversations. What does a meaningful conversation look like? See the Conversation Craft page for some quotations that shed light on this.

Marking two special days

Two focal points of our commemorations will be 25 November (the Day of the Covenant) and 27 November (the anniversary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá).

Concerning the Ascension, the Universal House of Justice writes: “The observance of this anniversary will undoubtedly prompt individuals and communities alike to contemplate the significance of that infinitely poignant moment when He Who was the Mystery of God departed from this world.”(Universal House of Justice, 25 November 2020)

The House of Justice also notes that this year marks a century since the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá came into effect, so the Day of the Covenant this year will be especially meaningful.