Following is the text of Msgr. Iyad Twal's appreciation speech for the episcopal ordination delivered at the Church of the Baptism of Jesus Christ on February 28, 2025:

Your Beatitude, our Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista, 
Your Excellencies, esteemed bishops, 
Dear brothers in the priesthood and beloved sisters in consecrated life, 
Honored guests, distinguished attendees, 
My beloved family and dear friends, 

We have all gathered here today on this historic occasion to pray as one family and to give thanks to God for His blessings and for the gift of the priesthood. Together, we raise our voices in praise and gratitude, glorifying His holy name for His boundless love. 

I share this moment with you, a moment filled with Christian joy, gratitude, and deep appreciation. But above all, I experience a profound moment of faith—a moment in which I bow before the greatness of God’s grace in the sacred priesthood. It is a moment that reminds me of Christ’s immense love for us each day and the fragility of life and our human nature, without the richness of God’s providence. 

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, 

First and foremost, I give thanks to Almighty God, who has called me to this sacred vocation. Through His divine providence, He has chosen me to serve as a bishop in His Church. I fully recognize the weight of this responsibility, and I stand in awe of the trust the Lord has placed in me to serve Him by serving His holy people. I pray that I may always be a faithful servant, led by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that I may reflect Christ’s love in all that I do. 

I am especially grateful to His Holiness Pope Francis for his leadership of the Church and for the trust he has placed in me to serve as a bishop—especially within the Latin Patriarchate, to which I belong.

I also extend my sincere gratitude to His Beatitude, our Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista, for entrusting me with this mission and for the laying of hands, making me his vicar and assistant in serving our sacred diocese. 

I take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation and gratitude for the incredible support I have received from my family, friends, and benefactors—both those present here today and those who could not be with us, from near and far, including those from Europe and the Americas. 

To my parents, I am forever grateful for instilling in me the values of faith and service, for your appreciation of the priestly vocation, and for your unwavering belief in this sacred calling. Your love and sacrifices have played a fundamental role in shaping who I am today. 

To my extended family, I offer my heartfelt thanks. I deeply appreciate the many ways in which you have walked this journey with me, sharing in both my joys and my challenges. 

I express my sincere gratitude to the Latin Patriarchate, especially to my bishop brothers and priests who have accompanied me throughout my journey—from my formative years in the seminary to this very day. Your wisdom and example have inspired me to pursue holiness and to serve God’s people with integrity and compassion. 

As I embrace this new mission, I reaffirm my commitment to serving the Church and the Latin Patriarchate with humility, love, and dedication. I recognize that my primary duty is to shepherd the flock entrusted to me, to proclaim the Gospel, and to administer the sacraments. I am devoted to being a bishop who listens, cares, and walks alongside the faithful on their journey of faith. 

I invite all of you—priests, religious men, women, and lay faithful—to join me in this sacred mission. Together, let us foster a spirit of unity and cooperation within our diocese. The Church is not merely a hierarchy; it is the living Body of Christ, where every member has a vital role and where each person is valued and loved. 

Let us work hand in hand to build a vibrant faith community, bearing witness to Christ throughout our diocese and especially in our beloved homeland, Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hussein Ibn Abdullah. 

In conclusion, I thank you once again for your presence and support. I ask for your continued prayers as I embark on this sacred ministry. May we all be strengthened in our faith and united in our mission to spread Christ’s love. 

Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, may we seek to fulfill our calling with joy and sincerity. 

Thank you, and may God bless you all.

+Msgr. Iyad Twal
Patriarchal vicar of Jordan