His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, begins his pastoral visit to the Parish of the Immaculate Conception in the town of Al-Hosn, Jordan, from Thursday, April 23, 2026, until Sunday, April 26, 2026. This visit is a spiritual stop marked by closeness, pastoral care, and ecclesial communion.
His Beatitude will be welcomed by the parish priest, Fr. Wajdi Sahawneh, and vicar priest, Fr. Paolo Felicetti. The visit will begin with Vesper Prayer and conclude with the celebration of Good Shepherd Sunday.
Throughout the visit, His Beatitude will meet with parish members and its various groups, clergy from other churches, local authorities, and representatives of educational institutions, including schools and universities. He will also preside over the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation for a number of parish members.
These days will be filled with prayer, sharing, and fraternal encounters, offering an opportunity to highlight the rich history of this ancient town and the journey of the Latin Community within it:
Al-Husun… a historical town
The town of Al-Husun is located about 8 kilometers south of Irbid, in northern Jordan. It is considered one of the Jordanian towns with a long-standing Christian presence, which has, over the decades, formed a living model of diversity and rooted ecclesial life.
The name “Al-Husun” carries multiple historical and linguistic meanings. In Arabic, it refers to a fortified place. Some researchers link the name to the hill, located north of the town, while others suggest that its ancient Greek name was Hypos, meaning “horse,” and that it was one of the cities of the Decapolis during the Roman period.
Archaeological findings further attest to the region’s significance across the ages, revealing the remains of Roman structures, ancient reservoirs, and early churches adorned with finely crafted mosaic floors, richly decorated with intricate plant and animal motifs.
Christian Presence and Social Fabric
Historical statistics show that Al-Hosn was one of the main Christian centers in northern Jordan, with Christians making up about 77% of its population in the late 19th century. Their presence has remained active and influential over the decades.
To this day, the town maintains a vibrant and deeply rooted Christian presence, alongside a distinctive model of Muslim-Christian coexistence. Al-Husun is often cited as an example of fraternity, cooperation, and mutual respect among all its communities.
The town is home to several churches and ecclesial communities, including:
- The Latin Parish – Church of the Immaculate Conception
- St. George Greek Orthodox Church
- Saints Peter and Paul Greek Catholic Church
In addition to other groups that reflect the richness of Christian diversity in the town.
The Parish of the Immaculate Conception Today
Today, the parish includes around 330 families who actively participate in church life through:
- The Parish Council
- Confraternities
- Youth groups and Scouts
- Altar servers
- Adult Christian formation programs
- Various liturgical and pastoral activities
The Latin Parish… One of the Oldest in Jordan
The beginnings of the Latin Parish in Al-Husun date back to May 1885, when the Latin Patriarch responded to a request from several local residents wishing to join the Catholic Church. He sent Fr. Teobaldo Navoni and Fr. Michel Karam to serve the emerging community.
From its early days, the parish faced various challenges, including social and administrative pressures, as well as the temporary closure of the church and school by Ottoman authorities. Nevertheless, the faith and perseverance of the parishioners helped establish a stable ecclesial presence and secure official recognition.
The Patriarchate also placed great importance on education from the outset. A parish school was opened alongside the church, becoming an important spiritual and educational center in the town, today known as the Latin Patriarchate School.
A group of parishioners and their priest, 1921
At the beginning of the 20th century, the parish experienced significant growth. The church was completed between 1900 and 1903 and dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
In 1902, the parish welcomed the Rosary Sisters, which strengthened the presence of consecrated life and contributed to the development of educational and social services in the town, including the establishment of a new school run by the sisters.
An example of Faith and Service
Today, the Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Al-Husun continues its mission as a spiritual and educational hub, bringing together the richness of its history with the vitality of the present. It remains a living witness to the Church’s presence in serving both people and society in Jordan.
Let us pray for the visit of His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista to the parish, that it may be a fruitful time of spiritual and communal encounter.
Daily photos and updates of the pastoral visit to will be posted on:
Facebook: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem – البطريركية اللاتينية القدس
Instagram: latin_patriarchate
Twitter: @LPJerusalem
