Despite the challenging political climate in the Holy Land, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, resumed his pastoral visits to the parishes of the Diocese of Jerusalem, beginning with a visit to the parish of Smakieh in southern Jordan, which lasted from Thursday, November 7 to Sunday, November 10, 2024. Rather than allowing the circumstances to distance him from the parishioners, he has prioritized visiting them, connecting closely to hear their needs, and offering them spiritual counsel.

Highlights of the pastoral visit

Upon his arrival to Smakieh, Cardinal Pizzaballa and his accompanying delegation were warmly welcomed by Fr. Khaled Gammoh, the parish priest of Smakieh, along with several Patriarchate priests from Karak, and the Priests of the Hijazin family, as well as local church leaders, and authorities. Among the attendees were the Director of the Security Center in the Qasr District, the Mayor of Sheehan, and senior members of the Al-Hijazin and Akasha tribes. Security services accompanied His Beatitude throughout his visit, and the Scout group of Northern Zarqa animated the reception. In the parish hall, Fr. Khaled welcomed His Beatitude and distinguished guests, highlighting the significance of this historic visit, and praying for peace in the world. Then Card. Pizzaballa proceeded to the church to invoke the Holy Spirit's guidance for this pastoral visit.

On the morning of the Second day, His Beatitude anointed the sick of the parish at their homes. Followed by presiding over a Mass at the parish hall, where he administered the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation to 36 students in the presence of the parishioners. The celebration also served as an opportunity for all believers to renew their baptismal vows.

In his homily, Card. Pizzaballa emphasized a core tenet of Christian faith—the presence of God among us. He shared, “Jesus embodies God’s presence in our lives.” He continued, “Today, you will encounter God’s presence in the Eucharist and the grace of the Holy Spirit, which empowers us to perform acts beyond human ability, such as a love that forgives even when it defies human understanding. This is reflected in Jesus’ redemptive sacrifice on the Cross and a mother’s love for her children—a powerful force that keeps families united. Today, as you receive Jesus and His love, make Him an active part of your daily lives, letting His presence be seen in your actions and behaviors.”

After the Mass, His Beatitude visited the families of several Patriarchate priests, including Fr. Simon Hijazin, parish priest of Jabal Al-Luweibdeh; Fr. Saqer Hijazin, who is currently studying in Rome; and Fr. Aktham Hijazin, head of the Ecclesiastical Court in Jordan.

His Beatitude then proceeded to meet with dignitaries of the Majali tribe at the Majali Council in the Qasr area, where he was greeted by Sheikh Atef Atwi Majali, Sheikh of Karak, Sheikh Ismat Deliwan Majali, Sheikh Adwan Ahmed Majali, along with several dignitaries and elders of the Majali clan. The clan representative warmly welcomed His Beatitude and his delegation, stating, “We welcome you to Karak Governorate. We have moved beyond peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims; we have reached a stage of true fraternity, as we are all sons of one homeland.” In response, His Beatitude remarked, “The bond between the Majali family and the Christians of Karak is profound and historically significant. It was the Majali family who sold the land to the Latin Patriarchate to establish the first parish in Smakieh, a relationship that remains important to our present day”. As a gesture of appreciation, His Beatitude presented the Majali family with a historical document commemorating the cooperation between their ancestors and the Patriarchate in the selling of the land. In return, His Beatitude was gifted a shield bearing the image of Jerusalem, symbolizing the clan's appreciation for his dedicated efforts in strengthening bonds of love and cooperation among all members of society.

To conclude the day, Cardinal Pizzaballa met with various parish groups, including the Fraternity of the Daughters of Mary, youth groups of different ages, choir members, and the Altar Servers. This meeting offered an opportunity to exchange ideas and reinforce connections among those serving the parish, emphasizing the value of teamwork in supporting both the parish and the broader community.

The third day began with a visit to the Latin Patriarchate Kindergarten and School, where His Beatitude was greeted by Mr. Muhannad Hijazin, the school director, and Mr. Tasahil Hijazin, the kindergarten director, along with the teaching staff and students.

Following this, His Beatitude visited the Greek Melkite Catholic Church in Smakieh and Hammoud area, both cared for by Fr. Ayham Al-Zayadin, who, along with the local priests, parishioners, parish council, and youth, welcomed him. He also visited the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, where he was received by Fr, Marcus Marjiyeh, the parish priest. 

The day’s itinerary included a stop at the Smakieh Health Center, a visit to the church cemetery, and a meeting with the Rosary Sisters. His Beatitude then presided over a Mass at the parish church.

He continued his visit with a stop at the Roots Cooperative Association, where he was welcomed by Mr. Haitham Hijazin, the president, Mr. Jalal Bawalsa,  the vice president, and several members of the association. During his visit, His Beatitude inaugurated the association’s first bakery, established to serve the local community. Lastly, he visited the Tourist Association for the Development of Archaeological Sites.

On the fourth and final day of the pastoral visit, His Beatitude visited the Governorate of Karak, where he was received by Mr. Mutasim Al-Qaralah, the Governor. He then proceeded to Sheehan Municipality, where Mr. Munir Salem Al-Majali, the Mayor, and members of the Municipal Council expressed their gratitude for the cardinal’s visit and thanked His Beatitude for the Patriarchate’s ongoing humanitarian and educational contributions to the people of Sheehan, Smakieh, and Karak.

Next, His Beatitude toured the public schools, where he was welcomed by Huda Al-Limon, the principal of the girls' school, and Ali Al-Dhaisat, the principal of the boys' school. He also visited the Smakieh Youth Center, where Amal Al-Khamayseh highlighted the center's role in providing job opportunities for the youth of the village.

His Beatitude continued his tour with a visit to the Roots Association project on the Smakieh Mountains, which was established under royal directives to transform arid lands into green spaces, promoting a clean environment and creating job opportunities for the region’s youth.

He then visited the ruins of Rabah, the remains of an ancient Roman-Byzantine church, where he was greeted by the Director of Antiquities, Mr. Basil Al-Halsa.

His Beatitude’s next stop was the Retired Officers Authority, where he was welcomed by former Interior Minister and Chairman of the Authority, Mr. Qaftan Majali, Chairman of the Hijazin Clan Council, Mr. Sabih Hijazin, and MP Haitham Zayadin.

To conclude his pastoral visit, His Beatitude met with the parish council and parishioners before celebrating the closing Mass.

In his homily, he expressed his gratitude to the parish for their warm hospitality and reflected on the highlights of the visit. He encouraged them to continue fostering unity and brotherly love, drawing strength from the Word of God, which calls us to live with a humble heart that seeks only the gaze of God, rather than the approval of others.