On Sunday, August 16th, the Bahá’i Community of Aurora dedicated a tree in honour of the Bicentenary of the birth of the Báb (forerunner of the Baha’i Faith). The tree is located at Hickson Park in Aurora. Situated in front of the tree, there is a plaque (photographed below) citing a memorable quote by the Báb, “Is there any remover of difficulties, save God?”
A representative of the Bahá’i Faith, began the ceremony with a history of the Báb’s revelation to the world:
“In the middle of the 19th century—one of the most turbulent periods in the world’s history—a young merchant announced that He was the bearer of a message destined to transform the life of humanity. At a time, when His country, Iran, was undergoing widespread moral breakdown, His message aroused excitement and hope among all classes, rapidly attracting thousands of followers. He took the name “The Báb”, meaning “the Gate” in Arabic … The Báb announced that humanity stood at the threshold of a new era. His mission, which was to last only six years, was to prepare the way for the coming of a Manifestation of God Who would usher in the age of peace and justice promised in all the world’s religions: Bahá’u’lláh.“
Locals wearing face masks and practicing social distancing reflected upon the message in light of the current pandemic. The Community believes that the tree will serve both to carry forward into the future the enduring legacy of the Báb, and instill in any passerby a deep feeling of hope.
Bahá’í Aurora, Ontario 