On Sunday, June 28, 2024 the Churches in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan marked Palm Sunday, according to the Julian calendar, with prayers and processions held in the Churches and their squares, during which the worshipers raised olive branches, chanted hymns, and pleaded with the Lord that the weapons would fall silent and the language of peace would prevail, especially with regards to suffering Gaza.
Parish Priest and Director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media in Jordan Fr. Dr. Rif’at Bader, celebrated Solemn Holy Mass at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Tla’ Al-Ali, western Amman.
In his homily, he said, “On Palm Sunday we raise olive branches and pray for peace. We also laud peacemakers who dispatch humanitarian aid to the needy, the sick, and the forcibly displaced in Gaza, led by His Majesty King Abdullah II who wants the world to listen to the voice of moderation, peace, and a cessation of wars, and to do justice to the Palestinian people who yearn for justice, independence, and freedom.” He then recited a verse of a poem by poet Suleiman Al-Ghazi (Bishop of Gaza in the 10th century AD) who says: “They carried palm branches, then branches for olives, and called out to Jesus Who was most welcome.”
Then, Fr. Bader lifted up prayers for His Majesty the King who marks this year the silver jubilee of his accession to the Throne, and said that Jordan has become, during the reign of His Majesty, an oasis of security, stability and reassurance for all citizens, as he has advanced Islamic-Christian dialogue to high global levels. Fr. Bader valued the Royal pardon granted by His Majesty, which brought joy to several families and individuals, as it represents an opportunity for the pardoned to continue the journey of love, benevolence, and sincerity in the Jordanian society. He also prayed for His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al-Hussein Ibn Abdullah II, and for the Arab Army that protects the homeland and provides healthcare services to the brethren in Palestine. He also thanked the Public Security Apparatus and everyone who works for the interest of the homeland, which is above all consideration.
Furthermore, Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan Fr. Jihad Shweihat celebrated Palm Sunday Holy Mass at St. Paul’s Church in Ajloun. During the Holy Mass, he conveyed well wishes to the extended Jordanian family and all the Churches that mark Palm Sunday, pointing out that the Churches in the Kingdom, despite their different affiliations, have standardized the dates for celebrating the holiday half a century ago, and this is an honor for us in Jordan to be pioneers in Christian unity.
He also prayed for the extended Jordanian family, led by His Majesty King Abdullah II, and conveyed sincere wishes marking the silver jubilee of His Majesty. He also pleaded with the Almighty God to maintain Jordan as a safe and stable country, as is the case always, so as to remain a symbol of brotherhood, love, dialogue, and mutual respect among all components of Jordanian society.
From Ajloun, Fr. Shweihat addressed pilgrims around the world to come and visit Jordan, including Ajloun Governorate, which contains the ancient Site of Mar Elias (the Prophet Elijah), the Shrine of Our Lady of the Mount in Anjara, as well as Ajloun Castle, which has stood tall for hundreds of years in this wonderful green environment in the north of Jordan, that became more attractive to citizens and visitors after the inauguration of the cablecar project.
By Munir Bayouk | en.abouna.org
