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Multi-Faith Saskatoon |
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Festival of Faith 2003
Multi-Faith Saskatoon's objective is to encourage understanding and goodwill between people of all faiths and help foster a community where diversity is honored. The festival is our yearly celebration of inclusive community.
It can be compared to a large potluck meal. The selections are diverse and unique, reflecting the unique character of the contributors. The sense of everyone participating creates a sense of community and it always seems that there is plenty.
The festival is a bit like that. Each year faith communities are invited to offer something that represents them.There are no auditions and the participants are all volunteers. We take what comes and combine the offerings into a program. This year we had one of the most inclusive programs ever - with most major faith communities represented. It was very well received by the audience of some 200 people.
The festival is also a visible expression of the new global reality. We are all able to access, for the first period in history, the collective spiritual wisdom of the whole human race.
There were many presentations that rounded out the diverse program. These included a welcome by Robert White, President of Multi-Faith Saskatoon, and Fr. Len Pasquin of the hosting community - St Philip Neri Parish.
St. Philips Neri choir
The program began as always with the Call to Prayer by Dr. Fouad Abdulwahab (Islamic). There were short readings from the Qur'an, the Bhagavad Gita and the Sikh scriptures, and Mrs. Behrokh Nakhai chanted a Baha'i prayer in Persian. The Unitarian Choir and Centre for Positive Living Choir provided very upbeat performances. David Kaplan led a performance of one of his original compositions "Om Shanti".
Sai Baba singers
The festival can best be described by some of the comments provided by those who attended:
"I think that this was possibly the best Festival of Faith I have attended. The length and balance were excellent, I only wish the round dance could have continued a little longer. The tea afterwards was excellent and I had the feeling that everyone enjoyed themselves. The time passed by like lightning - a sure sign that I enjoyed myself." - Past president
Round Dance
"The chant and call to prayer touches me, and helps to open my mind and bring me tranquility."
"I have very positive feelings about this Festival. Best part was the comraderie and generosity that those present had for one another, their willingness to be in the moment, to engage in whatever was offered. My thanks to the committee who worked together to create such a wonderful energy. I liked that the children and youth had an active part, particularly the interaction between the children and the congregation. I also thought the music was exquisite, stunning contributions from all. The round dance at the end, and the gathering afterwards was great. Hospitality was gracious, and I appreciate Cecile for her organizational skills, and all those who helped before and after in the kitchen."
"It was a beautiful atmosphere - the feeling of celebration, the honouring of diversity, the light streaming in through the windows onto the audience. I enjoyed it all."
"Liked the venue, the program content, mix and length. I've heard from several people who attended and were very pleased with it."
"Joining in singing and movement with the Jewish children/youth was excellent, and I think everyone enjoyed it, even if they didn't join in! I think something of a similar nature each year would be good."
Hebrew Children's class from Congregation Agudas Israel singing Hallelujah and Salam
"Refreshments were very well done, most stayed and visted and seemed to really enjoy mixing - too bad I missed the 'islandic pastry'."
"Liked everything. Presenters were extraordinarily good - and very expecially the Native trio."
Closing song by Strong Wind (Dore Cook and Erica Haug) with Joseph Naytowhow