religion – Robert Thivierge

Islamic Gathering at Olympic Plaza

November 9, 2013May 20, 2021 by Robert Thivierge

A group of Muslims gathered at Olympic Plaza in downtown Calgary on Saturday, November 9, 2013. One of the attendees started to explain what the gathering was about. I was expecting he was going to talk about recent events (assuming this was a run of the mill political protest of some sort). He told me about the Battle of Karbala (in 680 CE) and Husayn ibn Ali, who is held in high esteem as a martyr by Shia Muslims. Although I was interested, I didn't get into a real discussion, since talking religion with a stranger can risk causing unintended offense. Everyone at the event was quite friendly. Free water and snacks were offered to everyone (whether they were apart of the group or were just passing by).

Colour and a sword

May 12, 2012May 20, 2021 by Robert Thivierge

This is one of the pictures I took of the annual Nagar Kirtan parade on Saturday, May 12, 2012 in Calgary. This is a religious event of the Sikh community. It started and ended at the Dashmesh Culture Centre.

Lined up for Nagar Kirtan

May 12, 2012May 20, 2021 by Robert Thivierge

I hoped to get a lot of photos, but didn't get much. A positive event turned sour for me, when a parade volunteer approached me on the public sidewalk, and informed that that I was *required* to wear a head covering, had absolutely no choice, and it was a religious obligation that all must adhere to. I informed her that I would not. I feel strongly that my right to not wear a religious symbol is equal to someone else's right to wear such a symbol. For example, I think a Sikh man has every right to wear a turban anywhere in public, and nobody can ask them to remove it, even if it violates somebody else religion or culture.

Holding the Cross in Calgary

April 6, 2012May 20, 2021 by Robert Thivierge

This was taken during the Stations of the Cross procession held on Good Friday, April 6, 2012 in the Mission and Beltline communities of Calgary, starting and ending at St. Mary's Cathedral. This is one of a number of people who helped carry the cross for a period of time.

Faithful in Prayer

April 6, 2012May 20, 2021 by Robert Thivierge

This was taken during the Stations of the Cross procession held on Good Friday, April 6, 2012. The procession had stopped outside the Sheldon Chumir Health Centre, which was on of the Stations. These are two of around two thousand people attending the event.

About to Cross the Bridge

March 24, 2012May 20, 2021 by Robert Thivierge

A group of Christians carried a cross and some signs over the bridge. They also had a booth setup at the event. The group actively tried to gain converts throughout the time, going up to people who probably weren't their to be told the "truth". Of course, it is their right to do so. Most just ignored them. To be fair, they weren't the only religious group. A Blackfoot Elder and spiritual leader was part of the formal ceromony, blessing the bridge.

Spiritual Leader and Veteran

March 24, 2012May 20, 2021 by Robert Thivierge

A Blackfoot Elder, spiritual leader, and veteran spoke to the crowd. He blessed the new bridge. I have mixed feelings about injecting religion in an official ceremony. If a Catholic priest blessed the bridge, after speaking about his faith, I and others would probably object to mixing religion into an official government function this way. Regardless, it was appropriate to invite him to be part of the official opening as a representative of his people and as a veteran.