Within the framework of a gathering held by the Union of Religious Congregations (URC) and marking the start of the new academic year, a large number of nuns from various religious congregations held a meeting at Terra Santa College in Amman on Friday, October 17, 2025 titled, "The Gift of the Consecrated Life and its Challenges in the Year of Hope."  

Following the morning prayer, Adviser of the  URC  Fr. Rashid Mustarih greeted the participants and praised the efforts exerted by the URC. He  also extended thanks to Sister Sara Ghoneim for her continued support, and to Sister Samia Nassar for marking her new responsibilities as URC president. He also conveyed gratitude to URC secretary Sister Cecile Hijazin for her sincere efforts.

Later, URC President Sister Samia Nassar delivered an address during which she welcomed the priests and nuns and thanked them for taking part in this spiritual gathering, which takes place in a time abounding with challenges and the demands at the digital age which necessitates devoting time for contemplation and praying for priestly vocations.

Then, Fr. Shawqi Baterian delivered a lecture during which he spoke about the essence of consecrated life and how to experience it despite the fast-paced and changing circumstances of life amidst the tumult of the world. He also emphasized the importance of hope and faith in the Jubilee Year.

Following the lecture, Fr. Dr. Rif’at Bader participated in a discussion about the latest ecclesiastical developments and highlighted the anticipated visit of the Pontiff to the Holy Land of Jordan, the life of St. Augustine, and how the Church experienced the Jubilee Year. He also touched on religious tourism in Jordan and the importance of preparing for the 200^th anniversary of the Baptism of Lord Jesus Christ in 2030. He also spoke about the spirituality of St. Augustine, as practised by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

After a period of reflection, Fr. Bader celebrated Holy Mass which was concelebrated by Fr. Mustarih. Prayers were offered for the Universal Church, for His Holiness the Pontiff, and for the clergy while pleading with the Lord to protect them, as well as to grant them wisdom and strength. The attendees also prayed for vocations, for the consecrated, and for the grace of peace in families and in the entire world.