Cardinal Parolin and Patriarch Pizzaballa Join in Historic Consecration of Church of the Baptism of Christ on the Jordan River - VIDEO
On Friday, January 10, 2025, the Catholic Church celebrated a historic milestone with the inauguration of the Church of the Baptism of Christ on the banks of the Jordan River at Al-Maghtas. The pontifical mass was led by His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, representing His Holiness Pope Francis. Among the distinguished attendees were His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, bishops, priests, and church leaders, including former Patriarch Fouad Twal, Archbishop Giovanni Pietro Dal Toso, Apostolic Nuncio to Jordan, Msgr. William Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar General, and Bishop-elect Iyad Twal, Patriarchal Vicar in Jordan. The event was also graced by His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, Chief Advisor to His Majesty the King for Religious and Cultural Affairs.
This landmark event coincided with the silver jubilee of pilgrimage to the Baptism Site, drawing a large gathering of local believers, pilgrims, apostolic movements, and scout groups. The mass was elevated by the participation of seminarians from Beit Jala and the Sacred Heart Choir of Tla’ Al-Ali, supported by meticulous organization from civil and security authorities.
Before the mass, Cardinal Pizzaballa addressed the annual press conference, emphasizing the new church’s role as a global religious landmark and a sacred pilgrimage destination. He called for prayers for peace in the region and worldwide. Her Excellency Lina Annab, Jordan’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, commended the successful culmination of this 15-year project, noting the significance of the site, blessed by three Popes.
The Official Opening of the Church
A celebratory procession, featuring the scout, led bishops and priests to the entrance of the new church. Cardinal Pizzaballa expressed heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty King Abdullah II for his efforts in preserving the Baptism Site and to Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad for his unwavering support. He also acknowledged the dedication of Mr. Nadim Muasher, the church’s architect, and the support of the Hungarian government.
In his remarks, Cardinal Pizzaballa described the new church as a sacred space for prayer, reflection, faith, and peace, inviting all to make a pilgrimage to this holy site. "This church," he noted, "is a gift from the local Church to friends worldwide, offering blessings from the River Jordan." He further lauded the Congregation of the Incarnate Word (IVE) for assuming spiritual service responsibilities at the church.
Mr. Nadim Muasher, Knight of the Holy Sepulcher, delivered a moving speech, highlighting the spiritual significance of the site, consecrated by Christ’s baptism by John the Baptist. He stated, "With pride and joy on this Feast of the Baptism of Christ, we dedicate this church to the memory of my son Ayman and all who have gone before us into eternal life, praying for mercy and unwavering faith for all visitors."
Mr. Muasher then handed the keys of the church to Cardinal Pizzaballa, who opened its doors with joy and gratitude, inviting the faithful inside to initiate the church's consecration ceremony.
Cardinal Parolin blessed the water from the Jordan River, which was placed in the baptismal font, and sprinkled it over the faithful and the church walls.
In his homily, he reflected on the profound significance of the site as a place of divine-human encounter, recalling Christ’s baptism. He referenced Pope Francis’s message to Christians in the Middle East, urging them to be seeds of hope and light.
"We are called to give thanks to God, not only for the gift of this Church dedicated to Him, but also for the fact that God became human and lived among us, specifically in this Holy Land. From here, the faithful journey to Jerusalem, the site of Christ's baptism by John the Baptist, where God meets man, even when man is distant. Through baptism, we become children of God, and our crossing of the Jordan River symbolizes our passage to eternal life. Today, we consecrate this church, which will officially become a place of worship. In doing so, we offer God our hearts and our lives, so that He may work through us to spread His peace."
– from the homily of His Eminence Cardinal Parolin
The dedication rite included the recital of the "Litany of the Saints," symbolizing unity between the heavenly and earthly church. Relics of St. John Paul II and the Damascus Martyrs were placed in the church, underscoring its connection to the martyrs of faith.
The altar and church walls were anointed with holy chrism oil, signifying their consecration to God. Incense was burned on the altar. Then, the Sisters of the Institute of the Incarnate Word adorned the altar with candles, to prepare for the celebration of the Eucharist, followed by the transfer of the Blessed Sacrament to the new Tabernacle.
At the end of Mass, Bishop-elect Iyad Twal expressed deep gratitude to all who contributed to the success of this long-awaited day and those who participated in this historic occasion. Cardinal Pizzaballa honored Mr. Nadim Muasher, his wife, and the Hungarian Ambassador, presenting them with the Cross of the Holy Sepulcher in recognition of their outstanding contributions to building the church.
Source: https://lpj.org/en/news/at-the-jordan-river-inaugurating-the-church-of-the-baptism-of-the
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