Issued by the Catholic Center for Studies and Media - Jordan. Editor-in-chief Fr. Rif'at Bader - موقع أبونا abouna.org
On April 25, 2026, the Catholic Center for Studies and Media (CCSM) in Jordan marked its 14th anniversary as it was founded in 2012, with a procession exuding exorbitant media contributions and a humanitarian mission.
On this anniversary, the CCSM director affirms that the crux of the CCSM's identity stems from its affiliation with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, through the Latin Vicariate in Jordan. Based on a clear media mission rooted in serving humanity and upholding human dignity, this is embodied in the slogan adopted by the CCSM and the "abouna" websites, namely "Media in the Service of Humanity." It is worth noting that the abouna website was launched in 2013, before being officially associated with CCSM following its establishment in Amman in 2012.
An overview of its 14th anniversary, the CCMS’ active and impactful presence in the media landscape becomes clear, as it was not confined to journalism but served as a bridge of communication among various Churches, and a platform for promoting Islamic-Christian dialogue that is deeply rooted in the Jordanian society, which witnesses its continuous development through local, regional, and international initiatives.
The CCSM has serves as a cornerstone for national media activities through its cooperation with various official institutions and media agencies in Jordan. What is notable in this context is its prominent role during Pope Francis' visit to Jordan in 2014, as well as in conveying the conditions relevant to the forcibly displaced from Mosul on the same year, in addition to its active presence during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it became the leading platform broadcasting prayers and daily Masses via live stream.
The CCSM has also participated in numerous conferences and events at the local, regional, and international levels, and has enhanced its presence through cooperation with global Catholic media institutions, most notably the Vatican's media departments. The CCSM has also covered various visits conducted by His Holiness the Pope to a number of Arab and foreign countries, while underscoring the importance of integration among Catholic media outlets worldwide.
The CCSM also participated in the 2025 Jubilee of Communications, while participated earlier in a distinguished meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis, who received the CCSM's delegation on September 27, 2023, on the eve of the nomination of His Beatitude Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa as a cardinal. The CCCSM also covered the inaugural ceremonies of Pope Leo XIV and his first general audience, in addition to following up his visits to Lebanon while accompanied by a senior delegation, and to Algeria through remote commentary, as well as highlighting the papal vision that calls for bringing about a just and comprehensive peace, which today represents a powerful momentum for peace encountering calls glorifying wars and conflicts, that are based on the Church traditions and the teachings of the Church fathers, most notably Saint Augustine. The CCSM’s annual effort in commemorating the pilgrimage to the Baptism Site and holding the press conference on the eastern bank of the Jordan River cannot be ignored.
As the CCSM greets its readers and followers, it notes that viewership over the past year reached tens of millions, while expressing appreciation for the efforts of writers, editors, and correspondents from Jordan and abroad who have enriched the content of the abouna websites. It also extends its gratitude to all supporters, whether through moral, logistical, or material support.
In conclusion, the CCSM extends its deepest thanks and appreciation to the Latin Patriarchate , its foster mother, for its continued support, and reaffirms its commitment to fulfill its media mission with a spirit of dedication and service, so that its historic slogan may be fulfilled on daily bases, namely, "Media in the service of humanity.”
With best wishes for happy returns of the day.