FUHEIS – From March 7th till March 10th, 2024, H.B. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, conducted a pastoral visit to the city of Fuheis. He visited the Apostolic Churches, and various institutions, as well as spent time with the parishioners, which enabled him to learn more about the reality of the parish and the lifestyle of the city's residents.
At King Hussein Bridge, Mr. Raed Samirat, a member of the Jordanian Parliament, in addition to the dignitaries of the city of Fuheis, as well as Fr. Mateo Serna and Fr. Paolo Felicetti, the assistant priests of Fuheis, received H.B. Cardinal Pierbattista. Then, they headed to the city of Fuheis, passing through the city of Mahes, where H.B. was welcomed by the dignitaries of the city’s tribes. The official welcoming was held at the Fuheis Municipality, where he was greeted by Fr. Imad Twal, parish priest of Fuheis, along with a large crowd of citizens, priests, and religious sisters, amid the sounds of patriotic songs played by the Latin Scout and the Youth Club of Fuheis. Mr. Omar Akroush, the municipal, was also present, who also received from H.B. the Golden Cross. Card. Pizzaballa expressed: "The moment we arrive in Jordan, we feel like we are right at home. We are grateful and honored to be welcomed by you, “adding: "As a church committed to justice and peace, we must preserve human dignity, by listening to the needs of every individual and every parish. If we do not address human dignity, we will not be fulfilling our basic work as a Church."
Afterward, Card. Pizzaballa, and his accompanying delegation headed to the Greek Catholic Church, where he met with Father Archimandrite Paul Haddad. Followed by a visit to the Greek Orthodox Church, where he met with the spiritual leader Father Christophoros Haddad. Then he headed to the Latin parish, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, where he was welcomed by the students of the Latin Patriarchate School and the parishioners. Card. Pizzaballa then met with the heads of tribal associations and their representatives, followed by a meeting with the mayor of Fuheis municipality, the police chief, and representatives of the security services.
At noon, H.B. Card. Pizzaballa administered the sacrament of Baptism to five children of the parish. His Beatitude also visited the Samirat family home and presented Mrs. Khawla with the Order of the Golden Cross in recognition of her service and generosity towards the Church.
This was followed by a meeting with all the parish activities, during which His Beatitude said: “It is astonishing that there is an activity for every age group in the parish of Fuheis. Spiritual formation is met with importance whether for youth or families. This is admirable”.
On the morning of the second day of the visit, Card. Pizzaballa visited the humanitarian care home of the sisters of the Cross, and the Focolare house. Also, he administered the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation to 86 boys and girls of the parish. In his homily, Card. Pizzaballa, said: “It is very beautiful to see such a large number of children receiving the sacraments of the Church. This indicates the bright future awaiting the parish of Fuheis”. And, addressing the children, he said: “This is a decisive moment for you. Today, for the first time Jesus will enter your lives physically, through the Holy Spirit who is the love of God that dwells within us”.
In the evening, H.B. presided over a celebratory Mass for the graduates of the Patriarchate School, in the presence of the school's director, Dr. Rami Nafaa, in addition to the administrative and educational staff and the students' families. During the Mass, His Beatitude expressed his great joy in meeting many graduates. He wished them success on their new journey, saying: “You are about to take a new and big step in your life. As Jesus Christ gave instructions to his disciples, “his students”, where he taught them how to live this life. Know that this life is not about what you do or what you will become, but you must strive to maintain your relationship with God and reflect what you believe in actions." After the Mass, he visited some of the parishioners, including the Ziadat and Samawi families, where he awarded Mr. Naim Ibrahim Ziadat with the Order of the Golden Cross.
His Beatitude began his third day, by visiting the Patriarchate Kindergarten and Primary School. He met the children and held a meeting with the director of the kindergarten, Mrs. Nahla Al-Asmar, and the director of the primary school, Mrs. Wissam Madnat, as well as the teaching staff. He then headed to the high school where he was welcomed by the school's principal, the teachers, and staff. The students presented a musical performance for the Patriarch, and then he took a general tour of the school's facilities and visited the Rosary Sisters.
Moreover, he participated in the free medical day organized by the Caritas Center of Fuheis. He was received by Mr. Wael Suleiman, Director of Caritas Jordan, Mrs. Hayat Hattar, Supervisor of Caritas Fuheis, Mr. Jamal Hattar, former director of Caritas Fuheis, and a group of doctors. The Director of Caritas expressed his joy to receive the Cardinal: "Today we celebrate two things: First, the visit of Cardinal to Caritas Fuheis. Second, forty years of Caritas presence in the city of Fuheis”.
Next, he visited the Fuheis Youth Club, where he was welcomed by the scouts, president, and members of the club, during which they watched a friendly basketball game. Card Pizzaballa granted Mr. Ayman Samawi, the president of the club, the Golden Cross medal, and honored Mr. Issa Al-Salman. His Beatitude received a basketball signed by all the players of the club, which recently won the Jordanian Women's League title, and Father Imad Twal received a shield of thanks for his support and encouragement to the club.
The day ended with a Mass during which Mr. Khalil Haddad received the Holy Cross Medal for his loyal service to the Church. During his homily, Card. Pizzaballa commented about the Book Genesis, saying: "Throughout the Bible, the answer to the questions of who God is, and where is he can be found. This question accompanies us to this day. Yet, the history of salvation is not about who God is or where he is, but about man who broke the covenant, and about God's faithfulness to his people. In these difficult times, I have been asked many times, "Where is God?" My answer is that this is not the right question to be asking, but we must say, "Where are you, Man? For God is present with us, through Jesus Christ”.
On Sunday, the fourth and last day of the pastoral visit, H.B. Card. Pizzaballa, presided over the Sunday morning Mass, during which Mr. Farah Al-Samaan received the Order of the Holy Cross. Then, he visited several parishioners in their homes, and Mr. Anton Diat, the first elected mayor of Fuheis, received the Order of the Holy Cross.
He also visited the Greek Orthodox Church, where he met with His Excellency Metropolitan Christophoros Atallah, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Jordan, the priests. Dr. Saleh Al-Kilani, Governor of Mahes, Fuhais Brigade, civil figures, welcomed His Beatitude where they exchanged talks and presented him with an icon of the Martyrs of Jordan.
He also presided over a Pontifical Mass with the participation of Fr. Jihad Shweihat, Patriarchal Vicar in Jordan, and the parish priests. During the Mass, Mr. Ahed Al-Farah received the Order of the Holy Cross, in recognition of his service in the media field.
Commenting on the Gospel reading, His Beatitude emphasized that to have faith in God is not enough, as the devil believes that God exists. The difference, is we must love God, and foster a living relationship with him, which is an answer to the question mentioned at the beginning of the Bible, “Where are you?” Every day we must answer this question through our deeds. He added: "During Mass, Jesus Christ is present with us and in us, so if you hear his voice calling you, answer with readiness: Here I am."
At the end of his visit, His Beatitude expressed his gratitude to His Majesty King Abdullah II, and the Hashemite family, for their constant efforts and endeavors in maintaining peace and preserving the bonds of love and understanding between different segments of the society. He also thanked the priests and people of Fuheis for their hospitality, hoping that this pastoral visit would be fruitful.
