With the simplicity of a shepherd who wishes to walk alongside his people, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, opened his pastoral visits for the new year with a visit to the Parish of Jabal al-Hussein in the Jordanian capital, Amman. The visit, which began on Friday, 16 January 2026, unfolded over three days marked by prayer and encounter.

 

At the entrance of the parish, His Beatitude was warmly received by Fr. Ibrahim Naffaʿ, parish priest of Jabal al-Hussein; Fr. Issam Zu’mot; Brothers Fadi and Julio of the De La Salle Brothers; Deacons Youssef Fattal and Ramzi Ghanem; along with the Parish Council and the various parish groups, whose joyful presence reflected the vitality of the community.

 

The pastoral visit opened with the celebration of Vespers at the Church of Saint John de La Salle. In his welcoming address, the parish priest expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Patriarch’s presence, describing the visit as a grace for the parish. “We welcome you among your people here in the Parish of Jabal al-Hussein,” he said, “asking for your prayers and your apostolic blessing.”

 

Following Vespers, each parish group presented an overview of its mission and activities: the Parish Council, the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception, the Family of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the De La Salle Youth, the Altar Servers, and the Choir, each bearing witness to a living and engaged parish community.

 

Addressing those present, His Beatitude shared his joy at being among them. “I am happy to be with you during this coming period,” he said. “It is an opportunity for me to get to know you better, and for you to know me more deeply as well.” He added that every pastoral visit offers him something new to discover, expressing particular gratitude to the De La Salle Brothers for their longstanding hospitality and service, and joy at seeing the richness of parish life they help foster.

 

The first day concluded with a dialogue session bringing together all the parish groups, accompanied by a video presentation highlighting the parish’s activities, and followed by a shared meal.

 

The second day of the visit was dedicated to encounters with religious communities and institutions serving the Church and society. His Beatitude began by visiting the Sisters of the Saviour, meeting with the sisters and learning about their spiritual and pastoral mission, while commending their quiet yet faithful service.

 

He then visited the Jesuit Centre, where he was welcomed by Fr. Michael, regional superior of the Society of Jesus; Fr. Bimil, SJ, director of the Centre; and members of the pastoral and educational staff. During the visit, the Centre’s mission was presented, with particular attention to its biblical formation programs, liturgical life, and its outreach to migrants from various parts of the world. His Beatitude expressed deep appreciation for their ongoing efforts in Jordan and for their commitment to proclaiming the Word of God.

 

The Patriarch also visited the Pontifical Mission, where he met with the administrative team and was briefed on the institution’s humanitarian and development programs supporting the most vulnerable. Emphasizing the Church’s call to integral service, he highlighted the importance of humanitarian work that flows directly from the Gospel.

 

Further encounters included a fraternal visit to Fr. Zaid Habbaba, parish priest of the Chaldean Catholic community in Jordan, who presented His Beatitude with a wooden Chaldean cross. The conversation offered an opportunity to reflect on the history, challenges, and hopes of the Chaldean faithful. His Beatitude then visited the Franciscan Sisters, praising their dedication and fidelity to their vocation.

 

Later in the day, the Patriarch visited the De La Salle School, where he was welcomed by the school administration and students. The students presented the school’s educational and humanitarian mission, followed by a tour of its facilities. During the visit, His Beatitude also met with several sick parishioners, administering to them the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, a tangible sign of the Church’s closeness to those who suffer, while emphasizing the importance of hope and faith.

 

The day concluded with the celebration of the Mass at the Church of Saint John de La Salle, presided over by His Beatitude, during which the new Parish Council was formally installed.

 

In his homily, reflecting on the Gospel of the Baptism of the Lord and the witness of John the Baptist, noting that a person can view reality in two ways: either through limited human eyes, or through living faith in the work of the Holy Spirit and the presence of Jesus Christ. He reminded the faithful that it is the Holy Spirit who enables discernment between good and evil in daily life. “Your participation in today’s Mass,” he said, “should open your hearts to resemble John the Baptist; people capable of recognizing God’s presence in their lives and bearing witness to Him through their actions and words.”

 

On the third and final day, His Beatitude presided over the Holy Mass at the parish church, during which married couples renewed their marriage vows.

 

At the conclusion of the Mass, the parish priest expressed gratitude for the days spent together, thanking God for the Patriarch’s presence and the De La Salle Brothers for their spirit of love and partnership.

 

The pastoral visit concluded with a visit to the Greek Catholic Church of Saint Elias, where His Beatitude was welcomed by Fr. Modi Handaleh and members of the Parish Council. During the visit, he learned about the parish’s activities, facilities, and its affiliated school, bringing to a close a pastoral journey marked by presence, listening, and shared hope.