Marking the centenary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus parish in Na'our, southwest of Amman, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, celebrated a solemn Mass on Friday, August 2, 2024, which parish priest Fr. Bashir Bader, the nuns, and the parishioners had earlier called for.

Upon arrival, Cardinal Pizzaballa, who came from Jerusalem, received in a warm welcome outside Nao'ur Municipality, where he was welcomed by Governor of Naour Dr. Mohammad Al-Husami, Mayor of Na'our Mr. Mizyid Masa'fa, the parish priest, members of the Municipal Council, as well as a number of priests and dignitaries. Welcoming addresses were delivered which praised the atmosphere of common living among the people of the town of Na'our.

Patriarch Pizzaballa praised the efforts undertaken over the past one hundred years in the town and the parish which stand as part of the long Jordanian history of peaceful common living. He said that this would have not been attained had it not been for the care of the Hashemites, who from the first day of the establishment of the emirate, and later the kingdom, focused their attention on Jordan by serving as one extended harmonious and loving family.

For his part Fr. Dr. Rif'at Bader, highlighted the coincidence between the centenary of the Jordanian state and the centenary of the establishment of the Christian parish in Na'our. He also incorporated the centenary celebrations with the framework of the silver jubilee this year. On behalf of the attendees, he paid tribute to His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein, who over a quarter century of continuous dedication strengthened Jordan's position as a kingdom that exudes harmony and stability. He said that Na'our has been added on the list of tourist places since the establishment of the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in 2015. He also recalled the Na'our Church's hosting of the displaced Iraqi brethren ten years ago.

Governor of Na'our Dr. Mohammed Al-Hussami said that Jordan is an oasis of security and stability, noting that His Majesty the King has adopted all possible efforts to spread an atmosphere of peace in the world and to solve the Palestinian issue. He added that His Majesty the King has also contributed to energizing the wheel of interfaith dialogue, and consequently received several awards that have enabled Jordan to be considered, as it has always been, as an oasis of dialogue while viewing religions as a factor of harmony and peace, rather than a source of discord  among people.

Mayor of Na'our Mr. Mizyid Masa'fa also spoke about the common living that prevails in the town of Na'our which reflects a miniature image of Greater Jordan.

On behalf of the Christian communities of Na'our, pastor Bashar Al-Ni'mat praised the achievements made by the church and the school affiliated with the Latin Patriarchate over a century. He also expressed hope and confidence that Jordan will always remain a haven for the helpless brethren, and a country characterized by security, safety and faith.

At the outset of the Holy Mass, parish priest Fr. Bashir Bader pointed out that for a hundred years Holy Masses were celebrated in this parish because the Eucharist has always been the ultimate source of every prayer in the Church since the early days of the Apostles, as it also marks centenary of unity, love and faith. Fr. Bashir Bader thanked the Lord for a hundred years of Christian presence, pastoral work and spiritual growth. He added that the centenary embodies three aspects, namely looking to the past, living in the present, and hoping for the future.

After reading out verses of the Holy Bible, Patriarch Pizzaballa pointed out in his homily that this parish came into existence with the attribution to the poor, because a hundred years ago and despite the economic conditions prevailing at that time, the parishioners had the determination to build this church. He added that the church is not just a building and stones, but rather a community, and this is the real development.

Patriarch Pizzaballa continued that if we want to establish a community, we must remember the words of Lord Jesus Christ: “I  praise you Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the smart, but you have shown them to those who are like little children." (Matthew 11:25) He added: We must also remind ourselves that we are little children, be in constant need  for the Lord’s presence in our daily lives, and that we want His help in order to build the community, so that our hearts may remain free and ready to receive the grace of the Lord among us.

Later, a candlelit procession was held to the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, which is adjacent to the church, where His Beatitude Patriarch Pizzaballa gave the final blessing to the faithful. This was followed by a dinner held in His Beatitude Patriarch Pizzaballa’s honor, during which shields of appreciation were given to the benefactors and to all those who contributed to the expansion and renovation of the church, as well as to the Rosary Sisters who served in the parish, and to the parish priests who worked there.