In a new phase of his rich priesthood journey, Bishop-Appointed Fr. Iyad Twal prepares to take on his episcopal responsibilities as Patriarchal Vicar of Jordan. His episcopal motto encapsulates the essence of his spiritual mission: "To bear witness to the gospel of God’s grace" (Acts 20:24). This motto, which he first chose for his priestly ordination in 1998, reflects the spiritual dedication and service that has shaped his journey since then.
In a recent interview with the Patriarchate’s Media Office, Fr. Twal explained:
| "In this verse, St. Paul speaks of certain circumstances, and despite all the challenges, he stands firm and joyful, expressing the purpose and meaning of his life—to testify to God’s grace, to the joy of the Good News, and Christ as Redeemer and Savior. From this, I see my priestly and episcopal calling as the purpose of my life: The core of faith lies in the grace of salvation and redemption, and my goal is to help people discover and live this grace with joy, perseverance, and hope." |
This conviction, inspired by the experience of St. Paul, drives the Bishop-Appointed to continue his mission with faith and commitment in the Church of Jordan.
Priorities of Episcopal Service
Regarding his priorities as a bishop, he highlighted that all bishops share fundamental goals, primarily the proclamation of the Good News and the preservation of the deposit of faith. He also places special importance on the spiritual and pastoral care of the Church in Jordan, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration with all church members in a spirit of openness and reliance on God’s grace and divine providence.
Bishop-Appointed Fr. Twal describes the Latin Church in Jordan as a "living and active Church," deeply rooted in history and strongly connected to the land and its people. Beyond its spiritual role, the Church continues its mission in the fields of education, social services, and healthcare, offering a model of love, loyalty, and belonging to all members of society.
While challenges exist, he firmly believes that unity within the Church and collaboration will help overcome them: "Like a family, where each member has unique gifts, we remain united in an atmosphere of love, dedicated to serving the common good."
A Message of Love and Unity
Bishop-Appointed Fr. Twal addresses the faithful in Jordan, urging them to carry their faith in their hearts and daily lives, as an integral part of serving their homeland with sincerity and dedication.
In a message of love to the faithful of various churches, he stresses that "what unites us is far greater than what divides us," urging both prayer and action toward a unity founded in love—one that goes beyond institutional unity, but genuine and effective unity under the one true head of the Faith, Christ our Lord.
About Bishop-Appointed Fr. Eyad Twal
Born on July 15, 1973, in Amman, he studied philosophy and theology at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, where he earned a master’s degree in epistemology and theoretical philosophy in 2009 and later a doctorate in 2012. Since his priestly ordination on July 9, 1998, he has served in various parishes and administrative positions, including:
- Assistant parish priest in Birzeit
- Parish priest of Zababdeh
- Director of Latin Patriarchate Schools in Palestine and Galilee
- Member of academic church committees, including the Court of Appeals and Diocesan Arbitration Board in Jerusalem
- Head of the Religious Studies Department at Bethlehem University
- CEO of Bethlehem University in 2020
On December 17, 2024, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop and Patriarchal Vicar in Jordan, marking the beginning of a new phase in his spiritual and pastoral mission.
Episcopal Ordination and First Pontifical Mass
The episcopal ordination will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Baptism Site of Christ – Al-Maghtas, Jordan.
The newly ordained bishop will celebrate his first pontifical Mass on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM at the Church of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist in Madaba.
