Dean Isensee, Vice President of the BLIA Chicago English Subchapter, and Chapter Director Annie Chen attended the “Naperville Mayor’s Interfaith Community Breakfast” hosted by the YMCA on December 6. Themed “A Moment of Light,” the event drew over 400 participants.
Upon entering the venue, guests were greeted by the joyful songs of youth and children from the local performing arts group, Road Show Inc. The breakfast began at 7:00 AM. After a brief introduction to the theme and sponsors, representatives from various religions took the stage for the “Lighting of the Diya,” symbolizing the ignition of the lamp of wisdom. Vice President Dean then formally opened the event by reciting “A Prayer for Offering Lamps” by Fo Guang Shan founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
Following a chant by a local Islamic youth group, YMCA Board Chair Adam Johnson delivered the welcoming remarks and a brief history of the YMCA. Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli expressed his delight at seeing so many individuals from diverse backgrounds supporting this meaningful initiative. The program continued with speeches, performances, and prayers from Christian, Catholic, and Muslim representatives across different age groups. Catholic Priest John Sponder led a prayer for racial equality, religious harmony, and world peace.
The keynote speakers were four siblings from the digital media platform “The Holistic Kids’ Show Podcast,” who co-authored four bestselling children’s books with their mother, Dr. Madiha Saeed. Their presentation addressed the mental stress today’s youth face from social media and their environment, emphasizing the need for inner light to overcome challenges. Drawing a parallel to Buddhist metaphors, they noted that the Dharma is like a lamp that can dispel ignorance and illusions. They encouraged everyone to start by lighting their own “inner lamp” to influence those around them, creating a succession of lights to illuminate the world with harmony. Finally, Pastor Connie Brown led the closing prayer as attendees lit individual candles and joined in singing “This Little Light of Mine.” The breakfast concluded to the music of a trombone quartet from Naperville Central High School.