Friday, March 18, marks the day of annual Christian pilgrimage to the Grotto of Mar Elias, Ajloun, northern Jordan. On this annual anniversary, Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan Bishop Iyad Twal will celebrate Holy Mass at the site.

The Grotto of Prophet Elijah (Mar Elias) is one of the major pilgrimage sites in Jordan based on the fact that it is considered one of the most important historical, archaeological, and religious sites in Jordan.

Mar Elias Hill, which has a special holiness among Christians, is located in the northwest of Ajloun between the towns of Ishtfina and Al-Wahadna. It rises 900 meters above sea level, and has traces of a church from the Byzantine era.

In light of the holiness of the site and its historical significance, its fame became renowned after March 2000, when His Holiness Pope John Paul II came and visited the site, as he performed pilgrimage and prayed there. The site was officially designated as a pilgrimage site, and July 20 of each year was designated as a Christian pilgrimage day to the Saint Elijah Grotto.

The significance of the site elaborates how the Lord raised the Prophet Elijah toward heaven in the storm, as mentioned in the Second Book of Kings.

According to the Holy Bible, Elijah was taken up to Heaven. The Holy Bible states, “As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. (2Kings 2:11)

The holiness of the place is demonstrated by religious evidence, as there are the remains of the monastery dating back to the late Roman and early Byzantine eras, as well as the upper church. Its area is 1,430 square meters and is in the shape of a rectangle. The structure is made of white marble. It has an open courtyard and a baptismal room consisting of a rectangular font with a  hexagonal opening was used for baptism, and many baptismal wells.

Actually, taking Elijah to heaven, is a reminder of Lord Jesus Christ’s ascension from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem and hidden in a cloud.

On this blessed day, Christians in Jordan and abroad are invited to visit the Grotto of St. Elijah and live under the impression of its Divine beauty while praying to extricate the world, particularly the Middle East, from the imbroglio of wars and violence in which it is embroiled while restoring the peace of the Prince of Peace.