Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8th at the age of 96. Memorial services were held around the world for the longest reigning British monarch, including in New Zealand. Aside from declaring September 26th a one-off public holiday, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern held memorial services across the country, including one in Christchurch and another in Auckland on September 25th and 26th respectively. Abbess Manshin of FGS NZ were cordially invited to attend both services.
A Civic Service of Thanksgiving for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was held on September 25th at the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral. The service was attended by Abbess, SSgnt Anson Lin, Vice President of BLIA South Island Dong Zhang, New Zealand’s Minister of Conservation and Disability Issues Poto Williams, Christchurch Deputy Mayor Andrew Turner, Christchurch City Councillor Anne Galloway, representative of the World Peace Bell New Zealand Chapter David Bolam-Smith to name a few. Politicians and dignitaries, religious leaders, community and education representatives and over 700 people gathered to pay their respects in remembrance of her remarkable life.
The Very Reverend Lawrence Kimberley, Dean of Christchurch, presided over the memorial service and led a sacred and solemn service. The Cathedral Choir presented a celestial choral recitation, with words expressing the sincerest wishes for the Queen’s repose. The Very Reverend Lawrence Kimberley gave a speech thanking the Queen for her wise leadership in leading the Commonwealth of Nations to peace and prosperity, and for her selfless service throughout her life, which has given the world a beacon of hope. Christchurch’s Deputy Mayor Andrew Turner, Lieutenant Commander Grant Boore, President of the Royal Commonwealth Society’s Canterbury branch Christine Hainstock, The Right Reverend Dr Peter Carrell and The Reverend Andrew Doubleday also delivered the eulogy at the service.
On September 26th, Abbess Manshin, Minister in Charge of FGS Auckland Venerable Rulian, Venerable Miaoyu, Advisor Sally Wong, Advisor Eva Ho, BLIA North Island Chapter Deputy President Larry Yang, Deputy President Nick Yoong, and BLIA members participated in the The Auckland Service of Memorial for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Holy Trinity Cathedral. Bishop of Auckland The Right Reverend Ross Bay, Dean of Auckland The Very Reverend Anne Mills, and members of the parliament and military, religious representatives, and nearly a thousand Aucklanders gathered to commemorate the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The Reverend Ivica Gregurec personally thanked the Abbess and BLIA members for their attendance. The memorial service was broadcast live on YouTube, with a series of traditional rituals including the singing of the national anthem, choral singing, and a moment of silence to remember the Queen.
The Queen and the royal family have always been very fond of New Zealand and have a deep relationship with its people. During her 70 years of reign, the Queen has visited Christchurch ten times. In particular, the first time was in 1954, 7 months after her coronation, and the last time was in 2002. The Queen has always cared for Christchurch, especially after the earthquake and the mosque shooting. On these occasions, she immediately offered her concern, even sending Prince William to visit Christchurch in the aftermath of the earthquake. The people of Christchurch, alongside the rest of the world, will always remember the Queen as an icon of her time.
The Queen is not only the world’s longest reigning female monarch, but also a promoter of peace and development across five continents. The founder of FGS Monastery Venerable Master Hsing Yun once wrote a calligraphy Benevolent Governance, Benevolent Heart as a gift to the Queen, expressing his gratitude for her compassion and benevolent government, contributing to multiculturalism and the harmonious development of all peoples. Abbess Manshin led the team in Auckland and Christchurch to participate in the memorial service for two consecutive days, witnessing the Queen’s grace, selfless service and dignity being remembered by the people. She is a highly cultivated individual who served her fellow humans wholeheartedly with the spirit of Oneness and Coexistence.