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From the PresidentSearch
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From the President |
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Light a candle to mark the season
As
the days grow shorter and darker, we celebrate many special events –
religious and secular – with the lighting of candles.
Ramadan is celebrated in the Muslim world starting on November 6.
Those who are members of the Baha’i faith mark the death of spiritual
leader Adbul Baha on November 28. The birth of the founder of Sikhism,
Guru Nanuk, is celebrated as Kastik Poornamashi on November 20 this year.
The last day of Hanukkah, a special time for those of the Jewish faith,
is celebrated on December 7. In the eastern world, Tohji-taisai,
the grand ceremony of the Winter Solstice, is celebrated by the Shinto
religion on December 22. Christians celebrate the birth of Christ
on December 25.
In the secular world, the United Nations marks International AIDS Day
and the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery on December 1 and
2 respectively. In Canada, the National Day of Remembrance and Action
of Violence Against Women occurs on December 6.
Many of these celebrations and remembrances are marked by the lighting
of candles, which signifies hope, faith and kindness. Each candle
we light gives us pause to think about the past and the future. We wish
and pray for peace and international understanding. We give thanks
for friendships, for colleagues and for family.
Memorial University, our university, is not just a place of academic learning;
it is a place to foster friendships and to help bridge the divides between
nations, cultures and faiths. Our students, faculty and staff reflect
the diversity of the modern world and are creating a better global future
through shared learning and teaching.
As we light the candles of the season, I thank you for your dedication
to Memorial University and its ideals. I wish you and your family
peaceful holidays and a happy New Year.
Axel Meisen
PRESIDENT AND VICE-CHANCELLOR