Australia responds to the bicentenary period with scores of celebrations
As the bicentenary period unfolds in Australia, people across the country are gathering in devotional meetings to give expression to the innate desire to commune with God. Thousands have been coming together at the continental House of Worship in Sydney as well as in homes across the country to pray together and steel their commitment to contribute to the material and spiritual progress of their communities. These feelings of devotion have been giving rise to a dazzling array of artistic endeavors, reflecting the rich tapestry of cultures that exist in the country. People are using art—from theatrical presentations to abstract painting, dramatic storytelling to musical performances—to portray the heroism of the early followers of the Báb and draw inspiration from their stories. Some communities have come together to use art to beautify their surroundings, conscious of the impact the environment has on their lives. Conscious of the high aims of the message of the Bahá’í Faith, people are inviting growing numbers of their friends and neighbors to learn about the lives and message of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. As is the case in many places around the world, gatherings to watch the film Dawn of the Light is giving scores of people the opportunity to reflect on what it means to commit one’s life to transforming society. "