Within the framework of his official visit to Jordan, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem His Beatitude Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa visited the Catholic Center for Studies and Media (CCSM) in Amman on Tuesday, January 19.Upon arrival, he was welcomed by CCSM Director Fr. Dr. Rif'at Bader and the CCSM members of staff.

During the meeting, which was attended by Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan Bishop William Shomali and Secretary of the Latin Vicariate Fr. Imad Alamat, discussions focused on the constructive role the CCSM plays in disseminating religious awareness based on harmony among the motley components  of the Jordanian society, and introducing the ecclesiastical activities in our East and around the world.

Fr. Rif'at Bader presented a briefing on the activities carried out by the CCSM in 2020, despite the epidemic–caused difficulties that rocked the world. He said that the CCSM employees did not take any day off at the time but strived to spread the spirituality related to the time of suffering by expressing the spirit of hope and  grace among families during the period of full or partial lockdown.

Fr. Bader indicated that the CCSM has an eminent role at the national and societal arenas through conducting cultural exchange among the various Christian and Muslim religious institutions by holding joint seminars with the various media and academic centers. He also reviewed the local and global partnerships that enable the CCSM to achieve the desired goals which have human dimensions. Furthermore, Fr. Bader referred to the workshops that had earlier been held with the aim of training young university students on the proper use of media outlets in a way that serves a permanent and continuous orientation towards building "a culture of encounter" which His Holiness Pope Francis has been calling for.

Patriarch Pizzaballa recalled his first visit to the CCSM in January 2013, when he was then custodian of the Holy Land, and praised the constructive role played by the CCSM over the past years by spreading ecclesiastical news to the Middle East and the world. He also pointed out to the importance of abouna.org website in both Arabic and English languages, and added that wherever he goes  people inform him that they have been kept abreast of the news of the Church through the center's websites.

Patriarch Pizzaballa expressed his appreciation for the distinguished spiritual role carried out by the CCSM, stressing that it represents a pastoral mission as it maintains firm relationship with the Latin Patriarchate, and builds bridges of cooperation with individuals and institutions of good will.

The CCSM employees confirmed, during the visit, that the CCSM is firmly associated with the Latin Patriarchate and that they adhere to spiritual dimensions and pastoral duties, as well as contribute to a cultural and media presence by organizing or participating in conferences which provides a push forward.

 They also reviewed the various international conferences and workshops that the CCSM held or participated in, stressing that the CCSM will continue to serve the Catholic Church and spread Christian awareness. On the other hand, a short film, prepared by Mr. Rasen George, was screened about the CCSM's activities during the pandemic period with a look forward towards the future with hope and reliance on divine mercy.