(Minghui.org) Today is the 16^th World Falun Dafa Day and the 64^th birthday of Master Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa. Falun Dafa practitioners the world over have been observing this holiday with all kinds of activities. Italy, Finland, and the Netherlands celebrated last weekend.

Italy

Practitioners in Milan, Italy, demonstrated the exercises, handed out leaflets detailing the brutal persecution of Falun Gong in China, and collected signatures calling for an end to the persecution.

Demonstrating the exercises

Telling people about the persecution of Falun Gong in China

Signing a petition to condemn the persecution

At their May 10th celebration, several practitioners shared their personal stories of how they follow the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance in their daily lives and how they have benefited from practicing Falun Dafa.

Shaw started practicing in England. Three months later, the skin disease that had bothered him for many years was healed. Shaw's mother witnessed his recovery, started to cultivate, and her bronchitis was cured. They both expressed their appreciation to Master Li.

David read the book Zhuan Falunlast June. Impressed by the principles, he decided to cultivate.

“It answers many of my questions about life and the universe,” David said. “I always feel full of energy after doing the exercises.”

“More importantly, I started to look inward for my own shortcomings when I have conflicts,” he said. “I also quit smoking and drinking. I found it easy to quit after reading Zhuan Falun. I am calmer now, more at peace, because I have found the truth. I feel that Master Li is with me.

“I am happy to be a Dafa practitioner. Thank you, Master.”

Many people signed the petition, supporting practitioners' peaceful resistance against the persecution. Practitioner Xiaoxia also helped several Chinese tourists to quit the communist party.

“I wish that everybody in the world could learn about Falun Dafa on Falun Dafa Day,” Xiaoxia said, “especially the Chinese people, who have been deceived by the Party. I hope that they recognize the beauty of Falun Dafa.”

Finland

Practitioners from Finland held a celebration at the train station in Helsinki on May 9.

Like their fellow practitioners in Italy, they demonstrated the exercises, collected signatures, and helped a few Chinese to quit the CCP.

Amazingly, a young Finnish young man passed by carrying a copy of Zhuan Falun. He was interested in learning Chinese meditation and had found a copy of Zhuan Falun in a bookstore. On the way home, he ran into the practitioners' activity.

“What a coincidence! I am on my way home to read this book.”

“It seems you have pre-destined relationship with Falun Dafa,” responded a practitioner.

He talked to practitioners for a long time and decided to got to the local exercise site to learn Falun Dafa.

The Netherlands

The celebration in Amsterdam was held at Dam Square, a famous for its unique buildings, including the Royal Palace Practitioners displayed photos and posters detailing the brutal persecution taking place in China. Many tourists saw the materials and signed the petition to support Falun Gong.

Practitioners wish Master Li a happy birthday.

Demonstrating the exercises