His Beatitude Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa’s First Pastoral Visit to Til’Al’Ali Parish
JORDAN – From March 3rd to March 5th, 2023, His Beatitude Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, made a pastoral visit to the Latin parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus church, in Til’Al’Ali.
In Jordan, Christians from all denominations celebrate the Easter season together, in unity. Thus, last Wednesday March 1st marked the beginning on the Lenten season for 2023.
The first day of the visit, coincided with the first Friday of lent, March 3rd, 2023. Thus, His Beatitude Pierbattista Pizzaballa led the way of the cross Prayer, and the Mass at the Sacred Heart of Jesus church. The readings and meditations for the way of the cross were read from the booklet prepared by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, made specifically for the journey of synodality.
Then, Fr. Rifat Bader, the Parish Priest, welcomed His Beatitude to Til’Al’Ali. And Mgr. Pizzaballa addressed the parishioners with a word, during which he explained the importance and purpose of pastoral visits - to meet and hear from the faithful. He also reminded the faithful to unite their sufferings during this Lenten season with Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross, asking God to change our hearts, and enable us to make a true repentance for our sins.
After Mass, His Beatitude met with the scouts, the youth groups, and other members who lead the spiritual activities for the parishioners in Til’Al’Ali.
The second day, Saturday, March 4th, 2023, Mgr Pizzaballa visited the two religious’ communities that serve the faithful in the area: Sisters of the Incarnate Word, and Sisters of Charity. He also visited, the Latin Patriarchate schools and Kindergarten, as well as the sick in their homes.
Later in the day, Mgr. Pizzaballa celebrated Saturday’s Mass at the parish, during which he announced the new members of the parish council.
On Sunday, March 5th, 2023, His Beatitude ended his Pastoral visit by celebrating Mass with the faithful.
“Obedience to God is not a limitation, but rather through obedience we have full access to life, “said Mgr Pizzaballa, in his Homily…
This news was originally published on the website of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
