Sister Tereza's Order of the Missionaries of Charity: 50 years in Jordan

Sister Tereza's Order of the Missionaries of Charity has been located in Jordan since July 16, 1970. This presence is manifested through the "House of Peace for the Elderly" which cares for the elderly and people with disabilities, in addition to the "House of Love" in Ruseifa, which has been caring for persons with physical and mental disabilities since December 28, 1986. These nuns have been performing pastoral and social missions in the Latin parish in Rmeimin since June 6, 2008. Mother Teresa, the 20th century saint, was born in Albania. She founded her congregation in Calcutta, India, in 1950. Her main mission is to care for the homeless and the elderly. A total of 5,000 nuns are enrolled in the congregation which is spread in more than 120 countries worldwide. The nuns provide great services in Palestine, specifically in Bethlehem, Gaza, Nablus and Jerusalem. As we mark the 50th anniversary of these pious nuns--who work in the service of the suffering Jordanians, especially the poor who do not find a helper in life—we note how admitting an elderly requires preliminary measures, the most important of which is visiting him in his place of residence, which implies serving the poorest and most in need. After half of a century of dedication in our beloved country, we recall the historic visit of Mother Teresa, who was canonized in a solemn ceremony in September 2016, to Jordan in November 1982. At that time, she met the late King Hussein Ben Talal, may his soul rest in peace, and Queen Noor Al Hussein at Al-Baraka Palace in Amman. Three days later, she was accompanied by Bishop Salim Al-Sayegh on a visit to Jerusalem, Beit Jala, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Gaza. On Independence Day in 2012, His Majesty King Abdullah bestowed on “the House of Peace for the Elderly” the Order of Al Hussein for Distinguished Contributions of the Second Class, run by Sister Tereza's Order of the Missionaries of Charity marking its noble humanitarian efforts. The pioneering humanitarian role of Sister Tereza's Order of the Missionaries of Charity in Jordan is highly distinguished .In the name of the of those who spent some time in one of the "Houses" of the order in Jordan and the Holy Land, we say: "Many thanks and be witnesses of peace, mercy and love in the world of today. abouna.org@gmail.com