This article is from page 31 of the 2007-05-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 31 JPG
THE Baha’ faith in Shannon is con- tinuing to grow and this was recog- nised in a major conference which NFR K See NO AYA Oo (O DOM BOoM COWIE
More than 50 participants visited Shannon for the conference, which was a reflection of the increasing popularity of this faith in the area.
A local assembly was initially set up in the town 15 years ago and the inter- est continues to grow. Its membership represents people of varying ages.
Membership of the group comes about through word of mouth, as ad- vertising is not allowed. One of the
main rules is that alcohol is not al- lowed to Baha’1 members. Members must also abide by a fast between the hours of sunrise and sunset, during 19 days in March.
Member of the group in Shannon, Patricia Fallon-Barry said the meet- ing point for Baha’1 members is in peoples’ homes, rather than a church. A group consists of at least nine mem- bers, over the age of 21.
‘We meet 1n each other’s homes and there is a feast every 19 days. We dis- cuss community and social aspects at the local assembly meetings. We have no clergy. Everybody is expected to do everything,” she said.
‘“Baha’l is a new religion, just 150 years old. It is centred around the be- lief that all of the religions are one, with one God,” she said.
Ms Fallon-Barry has been a mem- ber of the Baha’1 group for several years.
SoM orl BLA 0Oe powering and great for “‘self-develop- jneto ela
‘“Baha’l was founded by Bahaullah in Iran in 1844. He would claim to have fulfilment of all previous mes- sengers, she said.
Along with being involved with the Shannon group, she also helps to or- ganise childrens’ classes and study
circles in Ennis.
“We cannot advertise. It is through word of mouth. One of the basic prin- cipals is independent investigation of truth,” she said.
“IT became Baha’i when I was 18 and living in Athlone. It was a public meeting. I read a book and | haven’t looked back since. I can’t imagine be- ing without it,” she added.
‘Worldwide, more and more people are interested in this. It is one thing to become committed to your own religion. It is another to join another religion,’ she said.
“The study circles are a very good educational thing,’ she said.