a
devotion, a courage, and a hope of which we are in such a dire need in
these days of sufferings and hardships.

May the memory of her saintly life inspire you with faith and hope, cheer
and strengthen your heart and make of you a servant worthy to promote and
consolidate the interests of the Faith!

5: The irreparable loss which the Faith has ...

(79)

The irreparable loss which the Faith has suffered through the passing of
the Greatest Holy Leaf is too immense to be adequately expressed in words,
and we cannot fully realize its significance at the present stage of the
evolution of the Cause. Future generations stand in a better position to
appreciate what her significance was during the early days of the
Revelation and especially after the ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha.

And now that she has gone for ever and is in direct communion with God we
should rejoice at the thought that from the Realm Above she is watching
over us all and is sending us her blessings.

May the memory of her saintly life be our comforter in our hours of
sadness and despair, and may we learn through her example how to live the
true life of the spirit, of self-abnegation and of service.

6: In these days, when we are all mourning the ...

(80) In these days, when we are all mourning the loss of our beloved
Greatest Holy Leaf, Shoghi Effendi's sole comfort is to see the friends as
ever devoted and active and striving day and night to promote the
teachings of the Cause.

However cruel our separation from Bahiyyih _Kh_anum may be, especially at
a time when her presence among us was such a source of inspiration and
strength, yet we feel confident that from her Heavenly Retreat she is
sending us her blessings and is quickening our weary souls.

Concerning the suspension of festivities for a period of nine months it
should be made clear that what is meant by this is that all gatherings,
whether outdoor or indoor, which are not of a strictly devotional
character should be abolished all through the period of our mourning.
However, meetings and services that are wholly spiritual as well as those
that are necessary for the carrying on of the administration should
continue to be held as usual.

7: Your message of condolence and sympathy, ...

(81) Your message of condolence and sympathy, dated July 22nd, 1932 which
so fully conveyed your profound grief at the loss occasioned by the
unexpected passing of the Greatest Holy L