FABC News
MESSAGE FROM PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD
2012 VESAK DAY CELEBRATIONS
It is with great pleasure that I send my best wishes to you all for this year’s Vesak Day celebrations.
Marking the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Gautama Buddha, Vesak is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the contribution of Buddhist thought to culture and society. We can all learn from Buddha’s teachings of equality, fraternity, respect and understanding.
The Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils has played an important role in developing, promoting and representing the Buddhist community in Australia and around the world.
As the home to a diversity of faiths and cultures, our nation can share and learn from the celebrations of our different faith communities. Vesak Day is one such occasion, to be respected and valued.
I hope that all participating in Vesak Day celebrations have an enjoyable and uplifting time.
(signed)
The Honourable Julia Gillard
Prime Minister of Australia
A copy of the following message was sent to our Victoria based representative Mr Brian Ashen:
PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE MESSAGE TO BUDDHISTS FOR THE FEAST OF VESAKH/HANAMATSLTRT 2A12 A.D./2555 B.E.
Christians and Buddhists: Sharing Responsibility for Educating the Young Generation on Justice & Peace through Interreligious Dialogue
Vatican City
Dear Buddhists Friends,
1. On behalf of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, I am happy to offer again, this year, heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of Vesakh/Hanamatsuri. It is my wish that this annual feast may bring joy and serenity to the hearts of all of you throughout the world.
The FABC has been invited by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to nominate a person to represent Australian Buddhists in Indonesia for an Inter-faith program which will be attended by fourteen regional countries.
The program which will be held for 46 days (7 weeks) from 21 May until 14 July 2012 and the scholarship covers airfare, fees, accomodation, health insurance and a monthly allowance of Rp. 1,500,000,-. Among other things, Candidates should be 21 to 30 years-old and have a high school diploma. The deadline for application is noon, Monday 7th May 2012.