Members of the Bahá’í Faith all around the world on Tuesday, July 9th between noon and 1PM will commemorate their most solemn holy day, referred to as the Martyrdom of the Báb. The Bahá’ís throughout Orange County welcome everyone to share in the commemoration of this remarkable event from Bahá’í history. While there are two Bahá’í community centers in Orange County, San Clemente and Costa Mesa both of each providing a formal program, each city can choose how to commemorate it. Whether in a park or a private home, all are welcome to hear this story unique to human history. Details of the upcoming events are below.
In the middle of the 1800s, small groups of people within each major religion searched for the fulfilment of prophecies in their own scriptures. Bahá’ís believe that all these prophecies, no matter how divergent they appeared on the surface, point to the same place, time, and events.
The Báb, a title which means “Gate” in Arabic, refers to a Divine Teacher Who ushers in the time of the fulfilment of all the religions. The Báb’s teachings emphasize the oneness of God, the unity of all religions, and the need for spiritual transformation and modernization. He advocated for the abandonment of religious prejudices and the rituals that have become devoid of genuine spirituality, calling instead for a return to core principles such as love, justice, and compassion. His teachings challenged the clergy as well as the political establishment, posing a threat to their power structures. His message sparked fires of fervent devotion and opposition in equal measure. The Báb himself endured imprisonment, torture, and eventual execution at the age of 31. The dramatic events of that day – July 9th, 1850 – are commemorated annually all around the world.
Here are some of the Orange County Commemorations:
- Aliso Viejo — Glenwood Recreation Center, 25422 Cedarbrook, Aliso Viejo, Noon, program and pot luck
- Costa Mesa — Bahá’í Center, 1950 Church Street, Costa Mesa – Noon, program followed by lunch
- Mission Viejo – in a private home, call 949.232.9337 for details
- San Clemente — Bahá’í Center, 3316 Avenida del Presidente, San Clemente – Doors open at 11:45 AM, program with live music and storytelling, light lunch to follow
- All are welcome.
Submitted By: Jean Tschohl Quinn
Jean Quinn is the current chair of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of San Clemente and a new member of the GRSM Interfaith Council.
