Seen here are participants on the steps of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice moments after the closing of the historic centenary gathering.

Centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing: Participants energized for return home as gathering concludes

November 28, 2021

BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE — Representatives of Bahá’í communities throughout the world came together in the concourse of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice for a spiritually charged closing of the centenary gathering on Saturday, galvanized by a week immersed in reflection on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s exemplary life.

The closing session included addresses delivered by members of the International Teaching Centre, prayers chanted and spoken in different languages, a musical interlude, and Bahá’í writings sung by a choir.

The images below capture some moments from the closing session and activities of the preceding days.

A choir sings passages from the Bahá’í writings at the closing session of the centenary gathering.

A choir sings passages from the Bahá’í writings at the closing session of the centenary gathering.

A member of the International Teaching Centre, Antonella Demonte, addressing the gathering. Mrs. Demonte spoke about the development of Bahá’í institutions since ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing.

A member of the International Teaching Centre, Antonella Demonte, addressing the gathering. Mrs. Demonte spoke about the development of Bahá’í institutions since ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing.

A member of the International Teaching Centre, Holly Woodard, delivering an address to the gathering. Dr. Woodard spoke about the development of the global Bahá’í community in recent decades.

A member of the International Teaching Centre, Holly Woodard, delivering an address to the gathering. Dr. Woodard spoke about the development of the global Bahá’í community in recent decades.

A member of the International Teaching Centre, Rachel Ndegwa, addressing the attendees at the closing session. Mrs. Ndegwa shared reflections on the gathering.

A member of the International Teaching Centre, Rachel Ndegwa, addressing the attendees at the closing session. Mrs. Ndegwa shared reflections on the gathering.

Attendees viewing Exemplar at a screening in the concourse of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

Attendees viewing Exemplar at a screening in the concourse of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

Attandees on the final day of the program.

Attendees on the final day of the program.

Participants from different countries on the steps of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

Participants from different countries on the steps of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

Participants in the concourse of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

Participants in the concourse of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

Attendees on a path near the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

Attendees on a path near the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

Another group of participants on the final day of the program.

Another group of participants on the final day of the program.

Attendees from different countries, together at the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

Attendees from different countries, together at the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

Participants gathered for a group photo near the entrance to the concourse of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

Participants gathered for a group photo near the entrance to the concourse of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

Attendees visiting an exhibit about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s contributions to the development of the Bahá’í community and His service to society. The exhibit also contained artefacts associated with His life.

Attendees visiting an exhibit about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s contributions to the development of the Bahá’í community and His service to society. The exhibit also contained artefacts associated with His life.

Participants leaving the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

Participants leaving the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.