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Annual Bahá'í Picnic at Rathtrevor Park
Annual Bahá'í Picnic at Rathtrevor Park
Each year, friends from communities across Vancouver Island gather at beautiful Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park for the Annual Bahá'í Picnic. This much-anticipated day is an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, welcome new ones, and enjoy the beauty of nature together.
The picnic is filled with laughter, conversation, games, music, and shared meals, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere for people of all ages. It is a wonderful expression of the spirit of friendship, unity, and community that lies at the heart of Bahá'í life.
Parksville Bahá’í Visual Arts Bursary
Parksville Bahá’í Visual Arts Bursary
The Parksville Bahá'í Visual Arts Bursary encourages young artists to explore themes that inspire unity, hope, and the betterment of society through creative expression. Each year, students are invited to submit original artwork inspired by a selected quotation from the Bahá'í Writings.
One recipient, Amelia Bouman, created a beautiful pencil drawing inspired by the words of Bahá'u'lláh:
"The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established."
Her artwork reflected a thoughtful response to this timeless theme and demonstrated the power of art to inspire reflection and meaningful conversation.
Amelia Bouman
Recipient of the 2020 Parksville Bahá'í Visual Arts Bursary. Amelia's award-winning pencil drawing was inspired by the words of Bahá'u'lláh:
"The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established." — Bahá'u'lláh
Her artwork thoughtfully expressed the theme of unity through creative reflection and artistic excellence.
Libby Elliot
Recipient of the 2019 Parksville Bahá'í Visual Arts Bursary. Her artwork was selected in recognition of its creativity and thoughtful reflection on the bursary theme. It was displayed at the McMillan Arts Centre in Parksville, and she received a $500 bursary to support her post-secondary education.
I have created this art piece to represent the footprint that humans leave behind on our beautiful planet Earth. Humans are producing too much garbage. The waste we are mass producing is not organic material that can break down easily over time. Plastics, glass, styrofoams, metals are only a few of the materials that will take hundreds or millions of years to break down. This is polluting our planet by leaching into our soils, contaminating our oceans, breaking down our ozone layer and changing our climate as we know it today. The only footprint causing this change is us.
My art piece proves that humans need to make the change by reducing the tons of un-useful materials we use on a daily basis. This will improve our footprint on this Earth and help it stay healthy and livable. I collected garbage from around the Oceanside Community to use on my art piece to show others we need to make the change by reducing, recycling and reusing. Hopefully this shows that by doing little acts of goodly deeds or choosing to reduce waste throughout our lives will help the betterment of the world. I am very passionate about reducing wasteful materials. Only we can make the change for the better and our future generations. Remember there is no planet B.
Julie Bachmann was the Kwalikum Secondary School winner of the 2017 Bahá'í Bicentennial Bursary Art Award.
Madison Poole was the Ballenas Secondary School winner of the 2017 Baha’i Bicentennial Bursary Art Award.
Celebrating the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh
Celebrating the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh
Each year, the Parksville Bahá'í community joins millions of Bahá'ís around the world in celebrating the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh, the Founder of the Bahá'í Faith. This joyful occasion brings friends, families, and neighbours together to reflect on His life, His teachings, and His vision of a united and peaceful world.
Our celebration included an inspiring dramatic presentation of Bahá'u'lláh's life, offering a glimpse into His extraordinary mission, His steadfastness in the face of hardship, and the enduring hope His message brings to humanity.
"My object is none other than the betterment of the world and the tranquillity of its peoples." — Bahá'u'lláh
Celebration of the Birth of the Báb Holy Day
Celebration of the Birth of the Báb Holy Day
Each year, the Parksville Bahá'í community joyfully celebrates the Birth of the Báb, one of the Twin Manifestations of God and the Herald of Bahá'u'lláh. This special Holy Day brings friends and neighbours together to reflect on the Báb's life, His message of hope, and His role in preparing humanity for a new era of unity and peace.
Our celebration featured an inspiring presentation on the life of the Báb, followed by uplifting music that filled the gathering with joy and fellowship. Through reflection, music, and shared celebration, participants experienced the spirit of this sacred occasion and the enduring significance of the Báb's message.
Cindy Hayden
Tom Neville and Bev Finch
Sound Connections
Cluster Reflection Meeting
Cluster Reflection Meeting
Throughout the year, Bahá'ís and their friends from communities across the mid-Island region gather for Cluster Reflection Meetings. These gatherings provide an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual and material well-being of the communities they serve, share experiences, learn from one another, and consult on ways to strengthen community life.
Reflection meetings create a welcoming space where participants explore the progress of local community-building activities, celebrate accomplishments, identify challenges, and plan practical steps for the months ahead. Together, they seek to foster vibrant communities characterized by friendship, service, and the spiritual and social development of all.
UN International Day of Peace
UN International Day of Peace
The Parksville Bahá'í community was honoured to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Peace with an evening of music, reflection, and fellowship. The event featured a moving performance by the Vancouver Island Bahá'í Choir, led by Amy Stephen, whose inspiring music celebrated the themes of peace, unity, and the oneness of humanity.
The gathering offered friends and neighbours an opportunity to reflect on the shared hope for a more peaceful world and the role each person can play in fostering understanding, friendship, and harmony within their community.
"Cleanse ye your eyes, so that ye behold no man as different from yourselves. See ye no strangers; rather see all men as friends..." — 'Abdu'l-Bahá
Bahai choir video 01 .mp4
Celebrating the 9th Day of Ridván
Celebrating the 9th Day of Ridván
The Parksville Bahá'í community and friends gathered to celebrate the Ninth Day of Ridván, one of the most joyful Holy Days in the Bahá'í calendar. Held at the McMillan Arts Centre, the celebration was filled with uplifting music, fellowship, and joyful reflection on this sacred occasion.
A special highlight of the gathering was the debut performance of the Vancouver Island Bahá'í Choir, led by Amy Stephen. Their inspiring music added a spirit of celebration and devotion, making the occasion especially memorable for everyone in attendance.
Reflection meeting
Reflection meeting
Members of the Oceanside cluster gathered for a Reflection Meeting to consult on their efforts to contribute to the spiritual and material well-being of the community. Together, they shared experiences, reflected on the progress of local community-building activities, celebrated accomplishments, and identified practical steps for the months ahead.
Reflection meetings provide a welcoming space for participants to learn from one another, strengthen bonds of friendship, and develop a shared vision for building vibrant communities characterized by unity, service, and mutual support. Through consultation and collaboration, participants seek to respond to the needs and aspirations of the communities they serve.
Celebrating Ayyám-i-Há
Celebrating Ayyám-i-Há
Ayyám-i-Há is a joyful period in the Bahá'í calendar devoted to charity, hospitality, fellowship, and the giving of gifts. It is a time when friends and families come together to celebrate, strengthen bonds of friendship, and express generosity through acts of kindness and service.
The Parksville Bahá'í community marked Ayyám-i-Há with an evening of fellowship while collecting donations for Manna Homeless Society, a local charity serving those in need in the Oceanside community. The celebration reflected the Bahá'í belief that caring for others and contributing to the well-being of society are essential expressions of a spiritual life.
"Charity is pleasing and praiseworthy in the sight of God and is regarded as a prince among goodly deeds." — Bahá'u'lláh
Celebrating the Twin Holy Birthdays
Celebrating the Twin Holy Birthdays
The Parksville Bahá'í community joyfully celebrated the Twin Holy Birthdays of the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh, the Twin Manifestations of God who founded the Bahá'í Faith. This special occasion brought friends and neighbours together in a spirit of celebration, gratitude, and fellowship to honour Their lives and Their message of hope, unity, and peace.
The celebration included prayers, readings from the Bahá'í Writings, music, joyful fellowship, and opportunities to reflect on the profound influence of the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh on the spiritual advancement of humanity. These sacred days are among the most joyous in the Bahá'í calendar, reminding us of God's continuing guidance and the promise of a more united and peaceful world.
"So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth." — Bahá'u'lláh
20th Anniversary of the Bahá'í Unity Picnic
20th Anniversary of the Bahá'í Unity Picnic
Some of the attendees of the 20th Anniversary of the Bahá'í Unity Picnic Gathering
Friends from across Vancouver Island gathered at beautiful Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Bahá'í Unity Picnic. Filled with fellowship, music, games, delicious food, and beautiful weather, it was the largest gathering in the picnic's history to that date.
Since its beginnings in 1998, the annual picnic has reflected the Bahá'í belief that humanity is one family. People of all ages and backgrounds come together in a spirit of friendship, celebrating the diversity that enriches our communities and the unity that binds us together.
The oneness of humanity is the central principle of the Bahá'í Faith and calls on us to eliminate all forms of prejudice—whether based on race, religion, gender, or any other distinction.
"There is perfect brotherhood underlying humanity, for all are servants of one God and belong to one family under the protection of divine providence." — 'Abdu'l-Bahá
Musical Fireside
Musical Fireside
The Parksville Bahá'í community was delighted to host a Musical Fireside featuring Canadian singer, pianist, and composer Rose-Marie Petersen. Through her beautiful music and the inspiring words of the Bahá'í Writings, she created an atmosphere of peace, reflection, and spiritual upliftment.
Rose-Marie's soulful voice and heartfelt compositions invited listeners to explore the Bahá'í teachings through music, touching hearts and inspiring meaningful conversation. Friends and neighbours gathered in a warm spirit of fellowship, leaving the evening with a renewed sense of hope, joy, and inner peace.
Guests were also invited to enjoy selections from Rose-Marie Petersen's album Wave, whose meditative and uplifting music continues to inspire listeners.
Post Unit Convention
Post Unit Convention
Following the Bahá'í Unit Convention, members of the Parksville Bahá'í community gathered to hear reports from their elected delegates, Erfan Javahari and Elham Abay, who had represented the region at the National Convention of the Bahá'ís of Canada.
The gathering provided an opportunity to learn about the Convention, share insights, and reflect on the spirit of consultation and service that characterizes Bahá'í administration. Participants enjoyed thoughtful discussion and gained a deeper appreciation for the consultative processes that guide the worldwide Bahá'í community.
Convention delegates Erfan Javahari and Elham Abay
Celebrating Ridvan
Celebrating Ridvan
Bahá'í's from the Oceanside area celebrating Ridvan.
Bahá'í's from the Oceanside area celebrating Ridvan.
Each spring, the Parksville Bahá'í community joins Bahá'ís around the world in celebrating Ridván, the most sacred and joyful festival of the Bahá'í year. Lasting twelve days, Ridván commemorates the time in 1863 when Bahá'u'lláh declared His mission as God's Messenger for a new age and revealed His vision of unity, peace, and the oneness of humanity.
The celebration brings friends and neighbours together for prayers, music, fellowship, and joyful reflection. During Ridván, the Bahá'í community also holds its annual election of the Local Spiritual Assembly. In keeping with Bahá'í principles, these elections are conducted prayerfully and without nominations, campaigning, or political parties, reflecting the spirit of consultation, humility, and selfless service.
Ridván is a season of renewal, gratitude, and hope, inspiring Bahá'ís to deepen their commitment to building communities founded on love, unity, and service to humanity.
"Rejoice with exceeding gladness, O people of Bahá, as ye call to remembrance the Day of supreme felicity..." — Bahá'u'lláh
Donation to Manna Homeless Society
Donation to Manna Homeless Society
Manna Homeless Society supports individuals, couples and families suffering from poverty by offering tangible help such as food, transportation (bikes), laundry vouchers, hygienic supplies, clothing, rain gear and outdoor survival equipment.
Their mission is to provide the homeless and the impoverished with the basic provisions needed for survival.
Cecilia, Robin and Mavis
Bahá'í Service Project
Bahá'í Service Project
Bahá'í's and friends worked together with Manna Homeless Society to serve chili to homeless individuals in our community.
Coldest Night of the Year
Coldest Night of the Year
Walk for the Hungry, Hurting and Homeless
Walk for the Hungry, Hurting and Homeless
Members of the Oceanside Bahá'í community participated in the Coldest Night of the Year walk, joining thousands of Canadians in raising awareness and support for people experiencing homelessness, hunger, and hardship.
Through the generosity of family, friends, and supporters, the Oceanside Bahá'í team raised more than $1,500 for local programs serving those in need in the Parksville area. Participants walked up to 10 kilometres, demonstrating their commitment to compassion, service, and the well-being of the community.
The Bahá'í teachings encourage service to humanity as a practical expression of faith. Participating in events such as the Coldest Night of the Year is one way Bahá'ís work alongside others to build caring, compassionate, and united communities.
Interfaith Harmony Week
Interfaith Harmony Week
During Interfaith Harmony Week, members of the Parksville Bahá'í community joined faith leaders from diverse religious traditions for a panel discussion hosted by Knox United Church. Centered on the theme "Let There Be Understanding," the gathering encouraged respectful dialogue, mutual learning, and greater appreciation of the many paths of faith.
Representing the Bahá'í Faith, Amir Haghighli opened and closed the program with prayers and participated in a panel discussion exploring the principles of the Bahá'í Faith and his personal spiritual journey. Together, the panelists reflected on the values they share and the importance of building friendships across religious traditions.
The Bahá'í teachings affirm that the world's great religions come from one divine source and that understanding, respect, and cooperation among people of all faiths are essential to building a peaceful and united world.
Philip Be'er - Jewish (Unorthodox), Rev. Dianne Burrough - Spiritualist, Arch Priestess Michele Favarger - Wiccan, Amir Haghighli - Bahá'í, Rev. Jennifer Ferguson.
Rev. Dianne Burrough - Spiritualist, Philip Be'er - Jewish (Unorthodox), Rev. Jennifer Ferguson, Amir Haghighi, - Bahá'í, Arch Priestess Michele Favarger - Wiccan.
The Parksville Bahá'í community joyfully celebrated the Bicentenary of the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh, the Founder of the Bahá'í Faith, with a special community event at the McMillan Arts Centre.
The celebration brought together people of all ages through art, music, dance, and fellowship. Student artwork from Kwalikum and Ballenas Secondary Schools was showcased alongside inspiring dance performances by Innovate Dance Arts and the Qualicum Beach School of Dance. Musical presentations by members of the Bahá'í community and an introduction to the life and teachings of Bahá'u'lláh completed the evening, creating a joyful celebration of unity, creativity, and the shared values that bring communities together.
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