On Monday, August 18, 2025, “The Spirit of Word Academy for Leadership and Development” was inaugurated in Fuheis under the patronage of Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan Bishop Iyad Twal. The event was held in the presence priests from the Latin Patriarchate and other churches, Superior General of the Holy Rosary Sister Mother Sophie Hatter, nuns, deacons, members of the Lower House of parliament, the president of the American University of Madaba, and a large number of people.

The launching of this academy is the brainchild of Fr. Dr. Ibrahim Naffa’, parish priest of  St. John de La Salle Church in Jabal Al Hussein, which materialized out of his belief in the importance of developing spiritual leaders among the parishioners and among those who work in different fields.

The program is supervised by a select group of educational figures and experts in various fields, with the goal of transferring knowledge and honing skills to those who seek to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding in the areas of spiritual and practical life. Each participant in these courses will receive an accredited certificate. Certain programs are also dedicated to training and developing children's personalities, in addition to other initiatives targeting families and women to develop their roles in life.

The opening ceremony began with a recitation from the Book of Wisdom by Fr.  Fares Siriani. This was followed by an address by master of ceremonies Mrs. Sana’ Jou’aneh who welcomed Bishop Iyad Twal and the attendees. Later, Fr. Ibrahim Naffa’--who masterminded the launching of the academy--delivered an address during which he expressed appreciation for the support extended by the Latin Patriarchate, represented by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan Bishop Iyad Twal. He hoped that the academy, launched  at a time marked by the emergence of exorbitant knowledge with its variant sources, would achieve its desired goals. He also noted that the academy's goal is to merge spiritual and educational aspects to produce ecclesiastical, administrative, and educational leaders through holding specialized training courses that target workers in schools and ecclesiastical institutions, in addition to holding various pastoral activities.

Later, Ms. Hanan Deeb and Ms. Farah Samawi presented a pictorial presentation on the academy's mission and its proposed programs, while highlighting the work of the various committee teams. Then, Bishop Iyad Twal delivered an address during which he emphasized the importance of spiritual knowledge and learning amongst church communities, and added that the academy will play an effective role in light of the rapid developments and challenges which mark our modern time. He also congratulated Fr. Naffa’ on his valuable initiative underlining his support and that of the Latin Patriarchate for the academy's educational and spiritual mission.

At the end of the ceremony, Fr. Naffa’ presented the academy's shield to Bishop Twal as a token of gratitude. Then, Bishop Twal consecrated the academy’s premises amidst an atmosphere of jubilation.