BLIA South Island Buddhists Attend Christchurch Memorial Service as tribute to Prince Philip
Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, passed away on 9 April at the age of 99. As a Commonwealth member, New Zealand held memorial services throughout the country. On 9th May, a memorial service was held at Christchurch Transitional Cathedral and Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island NZ was invited to participate with Venerable Jue Xi leading a group of Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) members to the event that hosted a total of about 300 people.
Attendees of the ceremony included representatives from other Anglican churches in Christchurch, representatives from the Royal New Zealand Navy, representatives from the Jewish community, Christchurch Deputy Mayor Andrew Turner, representatives from industry and political parties, representatives from World Peace Bell New Zealand, and representatives from schools at all levels. The Very Reverend Lawrence Kimberley, Dean of Christchurch, led the public in a solemn service of hymns in memory of His Royal Highness.
The Very Reverend Lawrence Kimberley conveyed condolences to Buckingham Palace on behalf of Christchurch, New Zealand. He said that Prince Phillip’s life was one lived to the fullest in support of the Queen's administration, and he was like a blazing light of hope for people around the world, regardless of nationality or race. His love and compassion is unforgettable and his death is a great loss to the world. He will always be remembered for all that he gave to the people.
Venerable Jue Xi conveyed her condolences from Venerable Abbess Manshin to the Dean of Christchurch and thanked him for his warm and peaceful hymns, and all the prayers and speeches that gives hope and peace to the attendees. The BLIA members also networked with other attendees at the function and invited friends to attend activities at the temple coming up in the next few weeks.