Apostolic Nuncio to Jordan Archbishop Giovanni Pietro Dal Toso has sent a message to the members of staff of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media (CCSM) and the Abouna website team, marking the 23rd anniversary of the website’s launching, which coincides with the celebration of the Feast of Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint of Jordan.

In his message, Archbishop Giovanni Pietro Dal Toso said: “On this important and solemn feast of Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint of Jordan, who gave his life as a martyr for the sake of truth, I also learned that 23 years have passed since the establishment of the Abouna website, namely abouna.org.”

He added: “Communication implies media and connection among people. From this premise, I would like to convey thanks to website’s Editor-in-Chief Fr. Rif’at Bader, and to all those working with him at Abouna website, for the outstanding work they carry out in extending information to the faithful and in connecting them with one another, particularly through following the news of His Holiness the Pope in Rome and of the Holy See.”

He continued: “Media outlets can be an indispensable tool for upbringing in faith and for strengthening our sense of affiliation with the Universal Church.” He added: “I ask God to bless your work and to accompany you as you continue along this path in the future as well.

The Apostolic Nuncio referred to the image chosen reflecting on this occasion, saying: “As the image you have chosen for this occasion suggests, this message will take of particular significance as we look forward to the year 2030.”