North Island Fo Guang members attended Nelson Mandela’s Memorial Service Held in Auckland

On the noon of 13th December, a memorial service for Nelson Mandela was held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Auckland. Fo Guang Shan’s Venerable Abbess Manshin, Venerable Rulian, North Island BLIA vice chairperson Bai Cheng Huang, BLIA committee members and Fo Guang youths, altogether a delegation of 21 were invited and attended the ceremony.

Associate Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy, Labour MP Phil Goff, Auckland Mayor Len Brown, South African Representative in NZ Brian Casey, Local South African community leader Kizito Zssuman, South African High Commissioner Zodwa Lallie, ex Race Relations Conciliator Gregory Fortuin, many other VIPs as well as local community representatives, with a total of 500 attended this memorial service. Under the chanting of pristine hymns, they all joined to give prayers to Nelson Mandela. There were performances from bands, South African percussion group and local folk music to honour the memory of this great leader.

Nelson Mandela passed away on 5th December at the age of 95. His passing presented South Africa with an unprecedented sense of grief. From the VIPs passionate and heartfelt eulogies, everyone could feel Nelson Mandela’s tireless quest for freedom and justice. It revealed the shining light of human spirit, that showed Nelson Mandela’s influence, which allowed South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement to receive international support. Nelson Mandela’s spirit of perseverance should be continuously upheld by every South African. Even more so, it should be promoted by the whole world to solve conflicts and actualise peace.

After the ceremony, Commissioner Zodwa Lallie thanked members of Fo Guang Shan for offering prayers and condolences. Fo Guang people responded that Nelson Mandela is a role model for peace. His tolerance, righteousness and loyalty touched South Africa and the entire world, that implored the world to strive for what is right.