"A BEACON OF LIGHT AND HOPE" | | Bahá'í House of Worship inaugurated in Papua New Guinea | PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — More than 1,000 people from across Papua New Guinea (PNG) gathered in Port Moresby on Saturday for the inauguration ceremony of the country's national Bahá'í House of Worship. The program continued on Sunday, welcoming another 3,000 people to join in celebrating the historic occasion.
The program on Saturday included remarks by Kessia Ruh, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Australasia whom the Universal House of Justice named as its representative to the event. Mrs. Ruh read a letter from the House of Justice addressed to the gathering, which stated: "Purity of heart, deep spirituality, and unshakeable faith—these attributes are inherent in the noble people of Papua New Guinea, ... they are the foundation upon which the House of Worship has been built."
The letter further stated: "This physical edifice, nestled in the hills of Port Moresby that overlook the Coral Sea, has a profound spiritual significance. By welcoming all within its walls, it expresses the unity of the human race and the oneness of all religions. It weaves together the diverse peoples of this mighty nation by inviting them all to come together in service to humanity."
Participants of the ceremony included government officials, religious leaders, members of civil society, representatives of local and national Bahá'í institutions, and many other people from across the country.
Confucius Ikoirere, Secretary of the Bahá'í National Spiritual Assembly of PNG, spoke about the significance of the temple. "This national House of Worship is the crowning achievement of all the efforts of the past, and a beacon of light and hope for the future."
Tony Lakame, another member of the National Assembly, referring to the structure of the central edifice, said that "each component represents a story of love, sacrifice, and perseverance."
The Governor of the National Capital District, Powes Parkop, highlighted the unifying power of the House of Worship in a land enriched with diverse ethnic groups.
"The House of Worship is not just a physical structure. It is a beacon of light inviting all to come together in prayer, in reflection, and in harmony. We are many, yet we are one," he said.
Governor Parkop added: "Without peace we cannot have a prosperous country. … Our nation will be greater; our people will prosper when we embrace this fundamental virtue that is the cornerstone of all faiths.
"We must seek to blend all this diversity into a peaceful, livable, thriving city that is the beacon of light for a nation of 1,000 tribes."
Rusa Kenioriana, a young person who travelled from the Solomon Islands to participate in the dedication ceremony, said, "It was such a bounty to witness the opening of the Bahá'í House of Worship.
"This sacred space is the fruit of the devoted efforts of the people of Papua New Guinea who have a spirit of devotion in their homes, within their families, and throughout their communities. Their collective endeavors have led to the emergence of the House of Worship."
Visit news.bahai.org to view images of the dedication ceremony on Saturday, including scenes from the gathering on Sunday. | | | | | Mounting anticipation as dedication of temple approaches | | | | | | Architects reflect on PNG temple project | | | | | | Hand carved timber panels beautify emerging temple | | | Follow BWNS for regular updates | | Dear Edward Lorilla, you are receiving this email because you subscribed to the Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS) at news.bahai.org/subscribe/.
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