JORDAN – This spring, JEC Jordan celebrated the 35th anniversary of its Secretariat, in charge of coordinating all activities offered to the Christian youth of Jordan. The festivities, which included a fair, a concert, a Mass and a conference, were attended by His Beatitude Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.
During two days, the youth of Jordan was able to attend several events to mark the founding of its Secretariat, created 35 years ago. First, there was a concert by Natalie Samaan and Rain Bawab, and Jordanian artist Tony Kattan, held at the Rosary Sisters’ school of Marj Al-Hamam on May 26th. The event included competitions and prizes for everyone, and was animated by DJ artist Muhannad Sahawana, from Mafraq.
Immediately after the concert, Sr. Lillia Al-Nimri, the director of the school, Fr. Wajdi Twal, general spiritual guide of the Jordan Christian youth, and Osama Shatara, secretary of JEC Jordan, opened the “Youth Village” – a fair offering many activities and events organized especially for the children, with an area dedicated to selling products from pioneering businesses, a playground suitable to any age group, and a dining area.
The next day, a festive Mass was presided over by Patriarch Pizzaballa, and concelebrated by Mgr Jamal Daibes, Patriarcal vicar for Jordan and Fr. Wajdi Twal, among others. The Patriarch used the opportunity to express his happiness regarding the celebrations, and how important and wonderful it was to see young people involved in the life of the Church, showing great gratitude for the participating youth. “Despite all the challenges, which will always remain,” he said to them, “your enthusiasm is a support and a driving force for the Church. “You, all of us, we have to rise from all the difficulties, challenges and fears we experience daily, to take our role and responsibility in the life of the Church and society, and to be a light to the world.”
After the Mass, the festivities concluded with a conference attended by the Patriarch and Mgr Jamal Daibes, which took place at the Rosary Sisters’ school. The event covered the development and achievements of the Secretariat and featured interventions from various speakers, including Mr. Osama Shatara, who announced the future plans of JEC Jordan for the upcoming years. The secretary of JEC Jordan also described the different projects put together by the Secretariat, related to employment, professional training, development, identity building and so on. The conference also included a performance by the orchestra of the Secretariat.
By: Sarah El-Gamal
