On the evening of Monday, June 23, URI Global Council, Global Staff, and local supporters gatehered for a banquet.
It is not Mother's Day, yet I would like to write a note on these two mothers who are standing beside Bishop Bill Swing and myself in this picture. Any man could loose his way, however big his dreams are, if his better half is a block away, and vice versa.
Bishop Swing founded the URI and is still steering this global initiative. And here is Mary, to my right, always at his side with a beaming smile. Her smile speaks volumes. All of us know how much she struggled during a brief period of unsound health, but there is hardly anyone in URI circles who had not prayed for her during those days. They both have a long way to go, as the Cosmic Over Soul has assigned them greater responsibilities to be fulfilled.
Rita Semel, the second mother in the picture, was the first Global Council Chairperson of URI, continuing to serve in office for many years. She played an exemplary role in binding multifarious faiths together. I often stood in wonder at the ease in which she chaired the Global Council sessions, which is not always easy sailing. We bow down to you, Rita. We have learned a lot from you.
I am only well aware of the fact that we have so many mothers and fathers in the URI President's Council who make this extraordinary movement possible. It was a sheer joy to meet most of them yesterday at the banquet and we are all grateful to you for presenting us again an unforgettable evening. Thanks to all who joined hands to help realize this event.
Together let us weave the web of URI, for the wellness of the Earth and all living beings.
Abraham Karickam
