For four days, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, shared in the daily life of the Latin parish of Al-Husn, in northern Jordan. Warmly welcomed and surrounded by the faithful, priests, religious, and local authorities, the Patriarch came above all “to meet and to listen,” remaining faithful to the spirit of his pastoral visits.
First day: warm welcome at the heart of the Parish
Upon his arrival, the entire community gathered to welcome the Patriarch: the parish priest, Fr. Wajdi Sahawneh; Fr. Paolo Flichiti, parochial vicar; religious sisters from across the region; and Msgr. Iyad Twal, Patriarchal Vicar in Jordan. They were joined by young people, scouts, members of the parish council, and representatives of the civil authorities, all united in a spirit of joy and ecclesial communion.
Fr. Wajdi Sahawneh said a welcoming word on behalf of all, expressing with simplicity and depth the joy of the community: “Welcome to Al-Husn, where the father gathers his children, as the shepherd lovingly calls together his flock.”
In a response marked by closeness, His Beatitude immediately set the tone of his visit:
“I am very happy to spend a few full days here with you, for I have always considered Jordan a haven of peace, and this entire country is a unique model of fraternity, clearly visible here in Al-Husn. The purpose of this visit is to meet you and to listen to you.”
The day concluded in the prayerful silence of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the spiritual heart of the parish.
Second Day: a living church in the community
The following day, the Patriarch visited the new school of the Sisters of the Rosary. Welcomed by the principal, Sr. Francesca Khamis. Then he met with the staff who presented the educational mission of the school and its impact on the community.
“I am deeply impressed by what our religious sisters are accomplishing. We are here to support you tirelessly and to ensure the continuity of your educational mission,” he said.
His Beatitude then visited several sick parishioners, taking time to meet them personally and administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
The meeting with parish groups—altar servers, youth, and scouts—offered a particularly lively moment. Each group presented its commitment, bearing witness to an active and united community. The Patriarch rejoiced in this vitality, noting how it inspires “positive and admirable reactions” throughout the city.
The day ended with the celebration of Mass in the parish church. In a church filled with families, 29 children received First Holy Communion and Confirmation. It was a joyful and proud moment for the parish, followed by a fraternal dinner.
Third Day: Between Educational Mission, Charity, and Dialogue
At the Latin Patriarchate School, His Beatitude was welcomed by the principal, Mrs. Juman Al-Rabdi, the kindergarten director, Mrs. Yara Haddad, and the educational staff. After a detailed presentation of the institution, he expressed his joy at the prevailing cooperation between the parish and school, noting that the school is not a building, but rather has an important mission, helping students discover who they are.
The visit to the Caritas center of Al-Husn then highlighted the social dimension of the Church’s mission. Through its various projects, a discreet yet essential work is carried out in service of the most vulnerable.
In a spirit of unity, the Patriarch continued his day by visiting the city’s different churches, beginning with Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, where he was welcomed by Fr. Afthimos Fawadlah, parish priest. He also visited the Church of Saints Peter and Paul of the Melkite Catholics, where he was received by Economos William Suidan, accompanied by the confraternity, youth, and parish council. The first half of the third day concluded with a visit to Saint John the Baptist Arab Episcopal Church, where he was welcomed by pastor Ibrahim Nirouz, and church council.
“During every pastoral visit, it is very important that I meet the Churches and Christian communities… for each of us has our own history, but in the end, same mission as Christ is one,” he recalled. “Visiting the various segments of society also reflects our presence here as Christians and our willingness to build relationships with everyone”.
A meeting with young people discerning their vocation then offered a moment of listening and reflection, as the whole diocese was united in prayer and reflection for vocations, a call issued by the patriarch leading up to Sunday of the Good Shepherd.
In the afternoon, the visit to the diwan of the Al-Nusayrat family marked a significant moment of Inter-religious dialogue. Welcoming the Patriarch, Mr. Khaldoun Al-Nusayrat declared:
“We are honored to welcome His Beatitude the Cardinal among us… The presence of Christians has always been important for the society, as they have contributed to the building of civilization… Even today, Al-Husn remains a living model of coexistence… What unites us is stronger than any challenge, we belong to one community, united by our shared history, respect, and fraternal love for one another.”
Moved by this welcome, the Patriarch emphasized how such meetings “strengthen the spirit of fraternity” and show that coexistence is not merely a word, but “a reality lived every day.”
The day concluded with Mass, followed by an open meeting with parishioners, offering a space for direct, simple, and sincere dialogue.
Fourth Day: Openness to Society and a Look Toward the Future
On the final day of the pastoral visit, His Beatitude presided over Sunday Mass, concelebrated by Msgr. Iyad Twal and many faithful.
In his homily, the patriarch thanked the parish for the days spent together, and commenting on the Gospel reading of the Good Shepherd he noted that every action and word must pass through Christ, meaning having a living relationship with him, which gives abundant life.
The day featured a rich program of official visits. His Beatitude visited a Governate of a nearby Local District, where he was received by the District Governor.
For his part, His Beatitude the Patriarch expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and accompaniment throughout the days of the visit, noting that the region—under the care of His Majesty the King of Jordan—has become a distinguished model in the region.
The visit also included a stop at the Jordan University of Science and Technology, where His Beatitude was welcomed by the Prof. Khaled El-Salem, President of the University. Discussions focused on prospects for cooperation, particularly in the educational and social fields, underlining the key role of education in building open societies.
In this same spirit, His Beatitude visited the project led by Caritas aimed at “strengthening inclusive education between children with disabilities and refugee children in Jordan.” Implemented in the Latin Patriarchate schools in Al-Husn, the program concretely illustrates the Church’s commitment to serving the most vulnerable.
Before concluding his visit, he met the active members of the parish—the parish council, the Fraternity of Mary, and the charity committee—praising their faithful commitment and essential role in the vitality of the community.
The visit concluded with the celebration of Mass, after which His Beatitude proceeded to visit the Diwan of the Al-Nusairat clan, where he was received by former Prime Minister Dr. Bisher Al-Khasawneh. In his remarks, the Patriarch affirmed that each of his visits to Jordan brings new learning and strengthens existing relationships, praising the wise Hashemite leadership as a model to be emulated—not only in Jordan, but throughout the region.
