Today, we visit New Zealand, one of the rare countries to receive many Shining World Awards. In 2006, the government of New Zealand was the recipient of the Shining World Leadership Award for Peace and in 2018, the Shining World Leadership Award for Compassion. In 2019, the New Zealand government also became a laureate of the Shining World Leadership Award for Earth Conservation, the Shining Wo

The Honorable Hereditary Chief Phil Lane Jr. is a member of the Ihanktonwan Dakota and Chickasaw Nations. He is formally recognized by elders from across North America as a hereditary chief, owing to his noble lineage of leadership and longtime service to Indigenous peoples and greater humanity. For his tireless contributions, Chief Lane has received many awards, such as the Windstar Award and the

Matera, a city in the province of Matera, is in the Basilicata region of southern Italy. This extraordinary place is known as the “Underground City.” In 2019, Matera was declared a European Capital of Culture. In our time together today, we take the opportunity to discover the city’s Sassi, the Rupestrian Churches, as well as the cisterns. Rulers from outside have come and gone, but Matera has rem

The name Bamiyan means “the place of shining light.” Embraced by the Hindu Kush Mountains, Bamiyan is situated on the flat, broad, fertile plains and flanked by high stone cliffs. The city was a busy layover point for merchants on their trips some 1,500 years ago, bringing together diverse cultures from Greece, Turkey, Persia, China, and India. These merchants also brought with them their Faith. B

Many unique artistic paintings and sculptures can be found in different parts of Pashupatinath Temple. Gilded images of magnificently crafted deities stand on both sides of each door. Every beam of the roof is intricately sculpted. “The roof of the Lord Pashupatinath Temple is supported by Tudal (wooden carved struts). These are artistic in nature. Some depict stories related to Mahabharata – the

Located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Deopatan, just 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from Kathmandu, is Pashupatinath Temple. Also known as “The Temple of Living Beings,” it is one of the most sacred Hindu temples of Nepal. The majestic temple is dedicated to a manifestation of Lord Shiva called Lord Pashupatinath, also known as “Lord of Animals.” Dating back to 400 BC, this Hindu temple is the ol

Situated inland between China and India, Nepal is home to eight of the world’s highest mountains, including Mount Everest, known as Sagarmatha to the locals. The Himalayan views, charming hillside villages, golden temples, and jungle wildlife combine to make a popular tourist attraction, and the many visitors boost this lovely country’s economy. “Bagmati River is the source of the civilization of

Welcome to “Ephesus: A Glimpse Into Millennia Past.” Every year on this day, August 15th, pilgrims travel to the historical city of Ephesus and visit the sacred House of Virgin Mary in observance of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Situated in modern-day Turkey, Ephesus has a past that goes back thousands of years, and has played an important role not only in Christianity, but in ancient

Four thousand years ago, a small port town was founded on the Euphrates River. The humble Babylon grew into one of the largest cities of its time, eventually serving as the capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, a beautiful, mighty center of art, architecture, and science. Home to the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as an important reflection of ancient Mesop

Peru’s distinct heritage has shaped a country where the people’s well-being and harmony with nature is treasured. Around 600 years ago, the Incas were the largest civilization in South America. In 1983, Machu Picchu was declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site and in 2007, it was voted one of the New7Wonders of the World by Swiss corp

Situated in the middle of the bay less than half a mile off the northwestern coast of Normandy, Mont-Saint-Michel seemingly floats like a mirage on the horizon. Each year, more than three million pilgrims and tourists flock to this World Heritage Site, recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, for its natural beauty, architectural splendor, and

Rich in culture and tradition, Jongmyo Jerye is the only royal Confucian ritual in the world inherited and performed with such authenticity. The Jongmyo Jerye is called a composite art, combining ritual, music, song, and dance. Its ritual music has a special meaning for Koreans. The music was composed by His Majesty King Sejong the Great, who is still highly respected as the greatest king in Korea

In the midst of downtown Seoul stands a woodland, untouched by the busy city, as tranquil as if time has stood still. Here rests Jongmyo Shrine, the most sacred place of worship in Korea for the past 600 years. Jongmyo is a temple that enshrines the spirits of the 25 kings that ruled Korea during the Joseon dynasty. In December 1995, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural organiz