In an atmosphere exuding jubilation, the Latin Patriarchate marked the priestly ordination of Deacon Malek Al-Qalanzeh and Deacon Fadi Qandah during a solemn Holy Mass attended by a large number of believers and celebrated by His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. The celebration took place at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Jubaiha, northern Amman, following the completion of their spiritual and academic studies at the Latin Patriarchal Seminary in Beit Jala, the Holy Land.

The participants in the celebration included Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan Bishop Iyad Twal, Bishop Yasser Ayyash, Archimandrite Bulos Nzeha, Bishop Boulos Marcuzzo, along with a number of priests, religious sisters, and the faithful who gathered to celebrate this priestly ordination.

In his homily, Cardinal Pizzaballa noted that there is a profound difference between one choosing one’s way of life on the one hand and recognizing that the Lord has chosen one for it on the other. He said, “The one may choose to take the first place, but when God chooses one, this very person occupies the  first place,” he said. He stressed that the grace of priesthood is not the priest’s personal possession, but rather his life should be a transparent witness to his belonging to Christ.

He added that people should perceive through a priest’s words, thoughts, and actions that he belongs to someone beyond himself. This is not because he is better than others, but because God’s love should be clearly visible in his life. He urged the new priests to make love, mercy, and patience the foundations of their ministry, noting that a priest does not win over his flock by ruling over them, but when the faithful feel being loved through his patience, forgiveness, and closeness.

Cardinal Pizzaballa also called for trusting in God, citing the life of Saint John the Baptist, who entrusted his entire life to God and whose mission was to prepare the way for Christ. He continued that John’s life was not easy and ended in martyrdom, stating that God’s plan for a priest is not a promise of comfort or free from hardship, but a promise that the Lord will be present with him all the time.  He accentuated that the only true point of reference in a priest’s life should be “Jesus Christ, and nothing else.”

Cardinal Pizzaballa also reflected on the Church, saying that it is not merely an institution or a group of bishops, but rather a community of believers who celebrate the sacraments and live the faith. He added that no parish is perfect, and God’s grace often works “through these fragile earthen vessels.”  Noting that a priest may not always see the fruits of his labor or the fulfillment of all his expectations, he said that the Church’s mission is based on sowing the seed and trust that God will make it grow. He concluded by inviting the new priests to offer their lives and ministry to God through love and service to others.

 Following the homily, Malek and Fadi expressed their free desire to receive the Sacrament of the Holy Orders.

Earlier, in his welcoming remark, Parish Priest of St. Paul the Apostle Church Fr. Samer Madanat expressed the community’s joy at this ecclesial gathering which coincided with the Feast of Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint of Jordan, and noted that the path to glory passes through humility.

He added that this day merges “the fire of mission in Paul” with “the voice of preparation in John,” with both leading to the heart of the sacrament of the priesthood, where the priest is called upon to live “in Christ, with Christ, and in Christ.” He encouraged the two deacons to be “voices like John,” preparing the way for Christ and “a mission like Paul,” preaching the Holy Bible, and “a heart like Christ,” in serving humanity. He emphasized that a priest “does not belong to himself,” and that his true greatness lies in humility and faithfulness to the end.

Before the conclusion of the celebration and the final blessing, Rector of the Latin Patriarchal Seminary Fr. Bernard Pouje delivered an address during which he expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to helping the new priests follow the path pf priesthood and wished them a fruitful priestly ministry in the Lord’s field.