Minus 22c and a much higher wind chill did not deter more than 100 people showing up for the annual World Religion Day prayers presented by thirteen religious communities.
The annual event is organized by the Regina Multi Faith forum to “promote understanding and inclusiveness for all people,” said Gagan Deep Singh, Multi Forum President in his welcome and introduction. The event continues to be held at Beth Jacob Synagogue for which the Jewish community donates the space.
Following Singh’s welcome, Aarti Goyal blew the traditional Sankh to begin the prayers. Blowing the Sankh distributes positive energy and makes the atmosphere holy and pure driving away distressing energy (internet). It also calls people to the place of worship.
Elder Lorna Standingready began the presentations after she was given a pouch of tobacco from Jean Parker, Multi Faith Forum Acting Vice Chairperson. Tobacco is used in many First Nations ceremonies and grants permission for an individual to speak. Standingready said a short prayer in English acknowledging the “Creator” in all things. A short interlude of music followed each presentation and a bell signaled the next presenter to the podium.
Most quoted from the writings of their holy book and all asked for peace and harmony.
Four children from the Baha’i faith sang a hymn with a reading and prayer in between verses.
Buddhist Monk Reverend Uttam Barua made a point of noting the passing of “my friend” Archbishop Daniel Bohan and asked everyone “to pray for his happy journey.”
Dr. Shridhar Jachak explained that the OOOOOMMMM, that precedes prayer in the Hindu faith represents the sound made at the creation, the Big Bang, and clears the mind for prayer.
Campion College Chaplain Stephanie Molloy representing the Christian faith quoted two passages from the bible; Matthew, where Christ recited the Beatitudes and another in which Christ spoke of loving your enemies.
Lawrence Klein said it was the ancient Jewish prophets who first spoke of the concept of peace. To that time, everyone was engaged in wars but “the prophets were the first people in history to address the concept of peace.”
Muslim Imam Mohamed Abdelsstar quoted the Qur’an in which Mohammed spoke of peace among all people and kindness and help toward others.
Geoffrey Katz of Beth Jacob Synagogue blew Shofar (ram’s horn) while Miriam Freidman recited between blows, to end the service.
Dwaine Dornan of the Regina Multi Faith Forum advised the audience that the Regina Multi Faith Forum is working with the Regina Roman Catholic Archdiocese to sponsor a Syrian refugee family. The process is in its early stages but Dornan said the group had already received pledges of $22,000.00 and now needed to get those pledges in hand.
