A group of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher has concluded a 10-day pilgrimage to Jordan by celebrating a solemn Divine Mercy Sunday Mass at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Tla’ Al-Ali, western Amman. The Holy Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Emeritus of Tours Bernard Aubertin, and concelebrated by Fr. Alain Moster from the National Association of Religious Pilgrimage in France, parish priest Fr. Dr. Rif’at Bader, and Fr. Ala’ Ba’ir.

The participants, headed by Jean-Marie Faugère, general officer of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher in France, expressed their pleasure to participate in the Holy Mass with the Christian community in Jordan. They said, “When we come to Jordan, we do not come only to visit the stones in ancient historical archaeological sites, but rather to meet with you, the people of Christ, in this spot of the Holy Land. In your country where Lord Jesus Christ was baptized. We can read the Holy Bible in its Old and New Testaments in this holy soil and these blessed waters because several Biblical events took place in this holy land.”

In his address, Fr. Rif’at Bader welcomed members of the delegation and underlined the importance of this cooperation between the Churches and the Order of the Holy Sepulcher, which was originally established to support the Latin Patriarchate.” He added, “As you will return to your country, France, always remember to encourage others to visit Jordan, as it is a safe and stable country.”

In his address after the Holy Mass, at Karam Imsih Hall, Fr. Bader said that “Jordan is not in a state of war. It definitely supports the Palestinian brethren, and is keen to deliver food and medical aid to them, but it is a safe country, and therefore visitors or pilgrims can come and enjoy the security and stability as all its citizens do.”

The delegation arrived in Jordan 10 days ago, and visited several archaeological and historical sites, as well as parishes of the Latin Patriarchate including Irbid, Fuheis, Madaba and others, in addition to some institutions that are supported by the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher in France.