Marking 50 years of Bahá’í community in Waterford

The Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Jason Murphy joined the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the first Local Spiritual Assembly of Bahá'í in Waterford City. The first assembly was established in 1974 and a celebration was recently held at the Tower Hotel.

Along with friends and well-wishers, the Bahí'í community celebrated the notable anniversary of the annually elected body, which coordinates and supports the Bahá’í activities in Waterford each year.

The event opened with a well-wishing message from President Michael D. Higgins, which was read out by Mayor Jason Murphy, in which he thanked the group for their "kind invitation".

"Your thoughtfulness in extending the invitation is very much appreciated but the President regrets that, due to the extent of his commitments, it is not possible for him to accept on this occasion," he continued, "President Higgins fondly remembers welcoming the Bahá'ís of Ireland to Áras an Uachtaráin in 2018 and would like to send his good wishes and trusts that you will appreciate the reasons for his unavailability on this occasion."

Mayor Murphy delivered his own remarks to the more than one hundred people in attendance.

"It is a great honour for me to be with you today as we mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahí'ís of Waterford.

"As Mayor of Waterford, I am privileged to celebrate this significant milestone with you. One which reflects not only the history of the Bahá'í community in Waterford city but also the deep commitment to unity, service and wellbeing for all that your community upholds.

Mayor Murphy said that Waterford is "fortunate" to have the Bahá'í community "that strives to promote unity in diversity". 

"The contributions of the Bahá'í community have enriched the fabric of the society here in Waterford," he said, remaking that he was "inspired" by the group's "commitment to serve all people regardless of background and your dedication to principles that progress oneness and the wellbeing of all."