Issued by the Catholic Center for Studies and Media - Jordan. Editor-in-chief Fr. Rif'at Bader - موقع أبونا abouna.org

Published on Tuesday, 26 November 2024
Youth of the diocese of Jerusalem celebrate the Feast of Jesus the King
Nicolawos Hazboun and Miral Atik/ lpj.org :

During the final week of the 2024 liturgical year, Christian youth groups across the Diocese of Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Jesus, King of the Universe, with a series of events focused on various themes. The celebrations were marked by the participation of clergy, including the patriarch, bishops, priests, in addition to consecrated men and women.

 

On Friday, November 21st, 2024, the Youth Group of Palestine, Youth of Jesus' Homeland (YJHP), held a special event for university students and working professionals. The celebration commemorated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Secretariat. His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over the Mass at St. Catherine's Church in Bethlehem, with Msgr. William Shomali, Patriarchal General Vicar, and several priests concelebrating. During the Mass, Fr. Louis Salman, Spiritual Chaplain, announced the end of the current General Secretariat's term and the appointment of the new Secretariat for the years 2025-2028.

 

After the Mass, attendees gathered at the Terra Sancta School auditorium, where Fr. Louis expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the founding and success of the Youth of Jesus' Homeland over the past 60 years. Former Patriarch Michel Sabbah, the founder of the youth group, joyfully reflected on its continued existence and legacy. He urged the youth to follow the example of Christ, emphasizing the importance of loving all people regardless of their cultures or religious backgrounds. This love, he explained, is a reflection of our devotion to Christ, especially when we care for those who suffer. He concluded by reminding the youth that while challenging circumstances may tempt many to seek migration, they should instead see these hardships as an opportunity to embrace the cross with hope, faithfully fulfilling God's will in the Holy Land. We learn about the stages of Christ's redemptive sufferings that lead to kingship.

 

The day also featured a series of lectures and activities under the theme "King of My Heart," centered on reflecting on the passion and suffering of Jesus Christ and exploring how meditating on these events can lead us into the kingdom of heaven.

 

On Saturday, November 23, 2024, the youth in Galilee also celebrated the Feast of Jesus, the King, and the renewal of the Secretariat's vow of service for the second consecutive year. The event was held at the Annunciation Church Hall in Nazareth, where Fr. Ramez Twal, Spiritual Chaplain of the youth, organized a day full of events and panel discussions under the theme "Where the King Is." The focus of the day was on the role of Christian youth in embodying the Kingdom of God, especially amid difficult circumstances.

 

During the meeting, the Youth of Galilee introduced their new anthem, "Jesus, Son of Galilee," which highlights Jesus' deep connection to Galilee. The anthem's lyrics emphasize the spirituality of the Gospels, focusing on love and attachment to the land, especially in light of current challenges.

 

H.B. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa concluded the day by presiding over the Mass at the Basilica of the Annunciation, with the participation of Msgr. Rafiq Nahra, Patriarchal Vicar of Galilee, several priests, and the youth.

 

At both celebrations, Cardinal Pizzaballa urged the youth to make a decisive choice about what they want to dedicate their lives to. He explained that every decision stems from the fundamental question: "What meaning do I want to give to my life?" He stressed that the answer can only be found by looking to Christ. "When we set our eyes on Him and make Him the King of our lives, we can organize all aspects of our lives wisely and effortlessly," he said. He emphasized that to truly look at Jesus means to imitate Him, as His values are entirely different from those of the world. "People crave power and dominance, but our Christian calling is to serve others," he said, noting that although Christ is the King of the universe, He came to serve, not to be served. "Christ came to bear witness to the truth and the love of God through the Cross, and we have become servants of this truth and to God’s kingdom that is not limited by physical boundaries." He concluded by encouraging the youth to bear witness to Jesus' kingdom through their daily lives and actions.

 

To note, Fr. Abdullah Dababneh, LPJ Vocations Director, gave a lecture at both meetings on recognizing God's call in one's life and responding to it with faith. He emphasized the importance of listening to God's voice and remaining open to His will, contributing to the fulfillment of one's vocation in a fruitful and grace-filled way.

 

On Friday, November 22, 2024, the General Secretariat of the Christian Youth in Jordan (JECJordan) wrapped up its Feast of Jesus the King celebrations with a gathering for young adults at Terra Sancta College in Jabal Al-Luweibdeh. The meeting featured a Mass presided over by Fr. Wajdi Twal, spiritual chaplain of the youth, who urged the youth to be a light and witness to the world, making a positive change in their lives. He also presented the Jordan Youth slogan for 2025, "Carry the Shield of Faith," emphasizing the importance of deepening their knowledge of God and loving Him fully, with a focus on learning about their faith and the Holy Land.

 

The current secretariat of JECJordan concluded its term, during a Mass presided over by Fr. Jihad Shuwaihat, Patriarchal Vicar of Jordan, at the Church of the Virgin of Nazareth in Sweifiya on Monday, November 18, during which the new secretariat was appointed.