On Friday, November 18, 2024, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, began a three-day pastoral visit to Al-Wahadneh, Jordan. He was warmly greeted by Fr. Salam Haddad, the parish priest of Al-Wahadneh, alongside Fr. Manuel Bader, Fr. Bashir Bader, Fr. Rifa’t Bader, Fr. Iyad Bader, Fr. Yazan Bader, Fr. Elias Haddad, Greek Orthodox parish priest, MP Wasfi Haddad, MP Dr. Abdulhaleem Abu Annab, Mr. Zahruddin Al-Aroud, Mayor of Al-Wahadneh, and the Husn Latin Parish Scout group.
Fr. Salam offered a heartfelt welcome to Cardinal Pizzaballa and his delegation. In his address, Fr. Rifa’t highlighted the spirit of coexistence between Christians and Muslims in Al-Wahadneh, underscoring the Cardinal’s significant role in shepherding the Church of Jerusalem and his ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue and serving the broader community. The reception was enlivened by student performances from the local school.
Following this, Cardinal Pizzaballa led the Liturgy of the Hours at the parish church, emphasizing the importance of pastoral visits. “I have come to listen to you and to meet with you. A bishop must visit every parish in his diocese, not only the larger ones but the smaller ones as well. My visit is meant to strengthen the bond with the people of this town, which exemplifies coexistence,” he remarked.
The first day included visits to several parish families, where the Cardinal administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. He also visited the Shrine of St. Elias, the ruins of an ancient church, and the local cemetery, where he prayed for the souls of the deceased faithful. The day concluded with a visit to St. Elias Greek Orthodox Church, where Fr. Elias Haddad and members of the parish council warmly received the Cardinal. They expressed their appreciation for His Beatitude’s humility and his decision to dedicate time to a prolonged visit, calling it a great blessing and a living testimony of love.
On the second day, His Beatitude visited the Patriarchate’s School, where he was greeted by the principal, Ms. Hanan Ayoub. He met with the school’s administrative and teaching staff, and later, with the parents of the students in the church hall, where several students presented performances. Later that day, Cardinal Pizzaballa visited the Al-Wahadneh Museum of Popular Heritage. Mr. Mahmoud Sherida, the museum’s founder and director, gave the Cardinal a tour, sharing the village's rich history and cultural heritage.
The evening Mass at the parish church was presided over by Cardinal Pizzaballa. Reflecting on the Gospel, he spoke about the certainty of death and the end of life, urging the faithful to live with awareness and vigilance. He emphasized that, contrary to popular belief, the end of the world is not something to fear but is a hopeful and joyful event for those who know and love God.
After the Mass, Cardinal Pizzaballa met with the parish’s pastoral activities team, expressing his joy at the visit and discussing the state and needs of the parish, as well as ways to continue nurturing its growth.
On the final day of his visit, Cardinal Pizzaballa presided over Sunday Mass, joined by Fr. Jihad Shweihat, Patriarchal Vicar in Jordan, Fr. Salam Haddad, and Fr. Imad Alamat. In his homily, the Cardinal shared how much the visit had blessed his heart and expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality he received. He acknowledged the efforts of everyone in the church and the town of Al-Wahadneh in working towards a better future.
The visit concluded with a meeting with His Excellency Mr. Nayef Odeh Al-Hudayat, Governor of Ajloun Governorate, who warmly received the Cardinal and presented him with a commemorative shield in recognition of his historic visit to both Ajloun and Al-Wahadneh.
