The Administration of the Latin Patriarchate Schools in Jordan held a celebration at Our Lady of Peace Center on Saturday, October 5, marking the 150th anniversary of launching of its first affiliated educational institution in Jordan.
The ceremony was held under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Raja’i Mu’asher in the presence of Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan Bishop William Shomali, Apostolic Nuncio of Jordan Archbishop Alberto Ortega Martín, Patriarch Fouad Twal, Director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media (CCSM) in Jordan Fr. Dr. Rif’at Bader, a group of bishops and priests, as well as members of staff of the Latin Patriarchate Schools in Jordan.
In his address, General Director of the Latin Patriarchate Schools in Jordan Fr. Wissam Mansour thanked the Almighty God for His blessings over the past 150 years since the start of the services and mission of the Latin Patriarchate Schools in Jordan, specifically from the city of Salt in 1869. He said that there are currently 25 schools and 18 kindergartens which serve humanity as a total of 11,000 Christian and Muslim students are enrolled.
He added that the Latin Patriarchate schools unveiled a new era associated by the sacrifices of Latin Patriarchate priests designed to extricate the society from the darkness of illiteracy as well as entrench Arab sublime values and Christian face that have always been present in the society. He noted that the partnership with the Rosary Sisters, enabled girls to be introduced into the educational process.
He continued that the Latin Patriarchate schools sought to entrench close association with the homeland and the Hashemite leadership so as to set a sound basis for brotherhood among the various shades of the Jordanian society, including Muslims and Christians.
He concluded by expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Education under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah.
For his part, Patriarch Twal thanked the Almighty God that the schools were free in the mid-19th century and became nonprofit nowadays. He added that the Latin Patriarchate schools’ educational role was extended 10 years ago with the establishment of the American University of Madaba.
The ceremony included a visual performance prepared by the CCSM, as well as honoring teachers and excelling students, in addition to musical performances presented by Latin Patriarchate Schools’ students in Marka and Jubaiha.
