From May 22nd, until May 26th, 2024, H.B. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, conducted a pastoral visit to Madaba.
He was welcomed by the Former Patriarch Fouad Twal, Fr. Tariq Abu Hanna, parish priest of Madaba, Fr. Wajdi Sahawneh and Fr. Samuel Costanza, vicar priests of Madaba, Fr. Imad Twal, Fr. Armonis, the Greek Orthodox Vicar of Jordan, Mr. Nayef El-Hidayat, the Governor of Madaba, Mr. Arif El-Rawajeh, the Mayor of Madaba, as well as the city’s tribal notables, a crowd of faithful and the scouts.
Historical and artistic performances were presented to reflect the customs and cultures of the city, during the welcoming ceremony, which was held at the Patriarchate school. The Cardinal expressed his joy for his presence in Madaba and thanked all present for their great hospitality: “Madaba is not only a city with an ancient past and history, but rather it is a sign of Arab civilization that does not differentiate between a Christian and a Muslim. The Church is grateful for this parish, which has borne to her many priests, including some who became patriarchs of the Church.” He ended by saying: “Now is the time for me not to hear about Madaba. But to hear from Madaba."
The next day, His Beatitude the Cardinal met with the administrative and educational staff of the Latin Patriarchate School in Madaba, where he was welcomed by Ms. Lubna Halasa, the school's principal. Ms. Rasha Samaeen and Ms. Lina Hijazin gave a welcome speech in which they presented the history of the school and its future aspirations. Then Card. Pizzaballa visited various departments of the school.
Afterward, he headed to the Beit Illiqa, which cares for people with special needs, represented by its president, Sr. Chiara Giorgio. He met with the consecrated sisters and staff. They presented His Beatitude with a mosaic titled Peace in Arabic and Italian, made by the special needs individuals they care for at the center. Later, Card. Pizzaballa visited the sisters of Our Lady of Mercy.
In the evening, His Beatitude the Cardinal presided over the graduation ceremony for the high school students, in the presence of the school's administrative and educational staff, various priests, security services, and families of the graduating students. Card. Pizzaballa congratulated all the graduates and wished them a bright future and urged them not to forget the Patriarchate school, where they made many memories, and built their dreams.
On the third day, he visited the Church of St. James the Apostle in Ma'in, where he was received by, Fr. Paul Barabino, the superior, who expressed his happiness with this visit. He also visited many parishioner’s homes in Ma’in and administered the Sacrament of Anointing the Sick.
On the same day, in the morning of Friday, May 24, Card. Pizzaballa presided over a Mass, and administered the Sacraments of the First Holy Communion and Confirmation to 39 children’s parishioners in the Church of the Holy Spirit, in Hanina. In his homily, he highlighted the importance of maturing the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.
At the end of the day, he met with various parish activities, who gave an overview of their current activities and plans, including the project to develop the school’s theater, which is one of the first theaters to be opened in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
On the fourth day, he visited the Rosary Sisters, then the Makawir area, where Saint John the Baptist was beheaded. He was received by Mr. Magdi Al-Yaqoub, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Madaba, and many others who work in tourism and Archeology. They also visited the Beni Hamida Women’s Weaving Project, located in the area, a church that dates to the sixth century AD. Then, they headed to Mount Nebo, where they were received by the Franciscan Fathers.
He also visited the Patriarchate Secondary school for boys and kindergarten, as well as the headquarters of the Scouts.
On the fifth and final day, H.B. Card. Pizzaballa presided over a Mass in Ma'in. Then, he visited Madaba’s Governorate, where he was received by Mr. Nayef Al-Hidayat, Governor of Madaba Governorate, Mrs. Abeer Al-Khazouz, Deputy Governor, and the governorate’s delegation. During the visit, the Governor thanked the Cardinal for this visit, which reflects the strong relationship and coexistence between Christians and Muslims. Cardinal Pizzaballa praised the work of the Governate in fostering continuous development yet preserving the historical side of the city: “Through my visit, I gained a clearer view of Madaba, and I sincerely value the interest of the governate in the churches, archeology, and pilgrims”. Then he visited the municipality of Madaba, where he was received by Mr. Arif Al-Rawajeh, the mayor, and Mrs. Basma Al-Salaita, the deputy mayor.
Later, he visited the Greek Orthodox Church, known as the Church of the Map, and the Melkite Church.
The Pastoral visit ended by celebrating a Pontifical Mass at the church of Madaba, celebrating the Sunday of the Good Shepherd.
In his homily, Card. Pizzaballa stressed the necessity of unity between the shepherd and the flock, indicating that the shepherds must maintain their unity with Jesus Christ, to lead the people of God to true unity, so that they truly become one flock and one shepherd: “Yes, many and varied are the pastoral activities, but pastors must seek to unite them so that they remain cohesive and work together for the common good of the parish and the Church to continue spreading the good news of the Gospel”. He ended by asking the faithful to pray without ceasing for His Holiness Pope Francis, the bishops, and all the priests, so that they may remain faithful to their calling, and that they also strive to be one body of One shepherd, which is Christ.
