LISLE IL: Over 1000 people mostly Americans attended the First festival of Chants of the World’s Religions The Sacred Sounds of Unity which was sponsored by Council for a parliament of the World’s Religions worship committee which was held at St. Procopius Abbey Lisle Illinois on June 16 1991.
The event was unique and a great success. ‘The different faiths of the world gathered to share in this festival of Chants. Among them were Sikhs Hindus Muslims Christians Zoroastrians Thai & Zen Buddhists Jewish and Bahia. Rev Julian Durbeck Coordinator of Inter religious dialogue of St. Procopius Abbey welcomed the congregation and master of ceremonies was Mr Ron Kidd secretary of the worship committee of council of parliament of World’s Religions.
There was a colorful procession of the participants in their native attires carrying their banners with Sufi music from Persia being played in the background. The Sikhs proudly carried the Nishan Sahib. Representatives then lit a candle symbolizing unity & peace on earth. This was followed by each group chanting in front of the congregation Paramjit Kaur Singh M.D. Amarjit Singh Sukhmeet Singh and Daulat Bhawan represented the Sikh community of greater Chicago and sang two Shabads (Kirtan). The English translation of the Shabads were distributed to the congregation so they would enjoy the Shabads. Before the Shabads Sardar Amarjit Singh spent a few minutes translating the mool mantar and explaining the importance of Kirtan in the life of a Sikh. The people were very impressed with the Kirtan specially the melodious and sweet voice of Dr. Paramjeet Kaur Singh and with the swift finger movements of Sukhmeet Singh on the Tabla.
The Abbey itself deserves a word It is a stunning piece of contemporary religious architecture one of the finest in the Chicago land area.
In 1993 Chicago land religious groups will host another parliament of World Religions. The parliament will promote cooperation among Chicago Religious communities encourage celebration of the rich diversity of religions renew the role of religion in relation to personal spiritual growth and the challenges facing the global community promote inter-faith encounters in its preparation and develop programs to carry its spirit into the Twenty first century. It will take place for 10 days in August of 1993. The key note speaker at the plenary session will be the Dalai Lama.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 28, 1991
