On Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Church of the Baptism of Christ (Al-Maghtas) in Jordan, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over the Episcopal Ordination of Fr. Iyad Akram Twal. The solemn celebration was concelebrated by Msgr. William Shomali, General Vicar, and Msgr. Rafiq Nahra, Patriarchal Vicar in Galilee, alongside a distinguished gathering of bishops, priests, and religious sisters from various churches and orders.
The church was filled with Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, consuls, ambassadors, and representatives of civil and military authorities, along with the family of the newly appointed bishop and faithful who had journeyed from near and far to give thanks to God and celebrate this joyous occasion. This event marked the first-ever celebration at the Church of the Baptism of Christ since its consecration by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, on January 10, 2025. Additionally, it was the first time a Patriarchal Vicar of Jordan had been ordained on Jordanian soil, making it a historic and deeply significant moment for the local Church and its faithful.
The ordination was thoughtfully organized by youth groups, scouts, and choirs from various Latin parishes of Jordan, showcasing Jordanian Hospitality and the Church’s unity in service.
As the celebration began, prayers and hymns were lifted to God for the newly ordained bishop, followed by the entrance procession of the clergy.
After the reading of the Holy Gospel, Fr. Imad Twal and Fr. Abdel-Masih Fahim, the new bishop's spiritual chaplains, presented the papal decree of ordination, which was read aloud by Msgr. Giovanni Pietro Dal Toso, the Apostolic Nuncio to Jordan.
In his homily, Cardinal Pizzaballa reflected on the deep spiritual and scriptural meanings of the episcopal ministry, drawing inspiration from the readings and the sacred place where the ordination took place.
He offered many spiritual instructions to the new bishop, one of which was the importance of providing comfort and hope as an essential aspect of his service amidst the current challenges, saying: " In a little while, oil will be poured on your head... That is, you will receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit, who will send you through the Church to God's holy people here in Jordan. You ought to bring the good news to the poor… and pour oil and balm on the wounds of the hearts and minds of all those who are suffering”.
He further emphasized the significance of his new ministry, which calls him to serve as a shepherd to the Church in Jordan. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel reading of the Good Shepherd, he remarked: "The shepherd is called to do one thing above all: to love his flock and lay down his life for them. You will face many responsibilities—pastoral, administrative, social, political, and more—but all of these are secondary to your ministry. The one thing that Jesus requires of you, the only condition He has set, is this: Love the flock." He also encouraged the new bishop to be a voice for justice and truth, following the example of John the Baptist. He concluded his homily with a prayer, asking that his new ministry become a source of life, joy, and resurrection for the Church in Jordan.
Then, the episcopal ceremony began, as the new bishop prostrated himself before the Altar, a gesture of submission and humility before the Lord. During this moment, the choir sang the Hymn of All Saints. Followed by the recitation of the prayer of consecration. The Holy Bible was then placed upon his head, symbolizing his commitment to the Word of God and his responsibility to uphold it. His head was anointed with the Holy Chrism, a sign of his consecration to God. He was then adorned with the episcopal symbols: the ring; the miter; and the pastoral staff, signifying his pastoral care and authority in guiding the faithful.
A hymn from Psalm 110, "The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind," was sung by the choir in celebration of Fr. Iyad’s elevation to the episcopacy, serving as a powerful declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness. Following this, the clergy, along with the new bishop’s parents, offered their congratulations.
At the end of the Mass, the new bishop, Msgr. Iyad Twal, walked among the faithful, bestowing upon them his first episcopal blessing. And delivered a word of gratitude, saying: “I share this moment with you, a moment filled with Christian joy, gratitude, and deep appreciation”. He expressed his gratitude to God for choosing him to serve His people, to his family who instilled in him the love of faith and service, and to His Holiness Pope Francis and His Beatitude the Cardinal for trusting him with the service of the Church. He also invited the faithful to join him in this sacred mission, with a spirit of cooperation and unity, saying: “The Church is not merely a hierarchy; it is the living Body of Christ, where every member has a vital role to play. Let us work hand in hand to build a vibrant faith community, bearing witness to Christ throughout our diocese and especially in our beloved homeland, Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hussein Ibn Abdullah”.
Filled with the joy of this new episcopal ordination, Msgr. Iyad Twal, Patriarchal Vicar in Jordan, will celebrate his first Pontifical Mass at the Beheading of St. John the Baptist Parish in Madaba on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 5:00 P.M.
