In the days following the demise of Ayatollah Boroujerdi (the renowned Shiite religious authority) the holy city of Qum was the scene of huge crowds coming from all across Iran and provinces to express their condolences and pay homage to the Late Ayatollah Boroujerdi and observe the seventh and fortieth day services of his passing away.
One night I was due to go to the pulpit and sermonize and so I paid a visit to Imam Khomeini and told him that I was asked to deliver a sermon (on the occasion) and asked him about his views (as to whether he wanted me to refer to any specific issue). It was then that I came to know of the greatness of his character.
Normally, on such occasions the protégé venerates and praises his mentor and publicizes his name (on the pulpit) but the Imam asserted:
“What needs to be spoken about now (in your sermon) is the unity of the theological seminary. The theological seminary has got to be preserved. There should be no mention of my name or any reference to me; rather, it is the unity of the theological seminary that (you should refer to in your sermon) needs to be preserved.”
Narrated by Ayatollah Abolqasem Khaz'ali
Taken from: Keeping Pace with the Sunlight, vol. 3, p. 40.