His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa in Jabal al-Hussein: A Pastoral Visit Embodying Closeness and Presence
With the simplicity of a shepherd who wishes to walk alongside his people, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, opened his Pastoral visits for the new year with a visit to the Parish of Jabal al-Hussein in the Jordanian capital, Amman. The visit, which began on Friday, 16 January 2026, unfolded over three days marked by Prayer and encounter.
At the entrance of the parish, His Beatitude was warmly received by Fr. Ibrahim Naffaʿ, parish priest of Jabal al-Hussein; Fr. Issam Zu’mot; Brothers Fadi and Julio of the De La Salle Brothers; Deacons Youssef Fattal and Ramzi Ghanem; along with the Parish Council and the various parish groups, whose joyful presence reflected the vitality of the community.
The Pastoral visit opened with the celebration of Vespers at the Church of Saint John de La Salle. In his welcoming address, the parish priest expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Patriarch’s presence, describing the visit as a grace for the parish. “We welcome you among your people here in the Parish of Jabal al-Hussein,” he said, “asking for your prayers and your apostolic blessing.”
Following Vespers, each parish group presented an overview of its mission and activities: the Parish Council, the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception, the Family of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the De La Salle Youth, the Altar Servers, and the Choir, each bearing witness to a living and engaged parish community.
Addressing those present, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa shared his joy at being among them. “I am happy to be with you during this coming period,” he said. “It is an opportunity for me to get to know you better, and for you to know me more deeply as well.” He added that every Pastoral visit offers him something new to discover, expressing particular gratitude to the De La Salle Brothers for their longstanding hospitality and service, and joy at seeing the richness of parish life they help foster.
The first day concluded with a dialogue session bringing together all the parish groups, accompanied by a video presentation highlighting the parish’s activities, and followed by a shared meal.
The second day of the visit was dedicated to encounters with religious communities and institutions serving the Church and society. His Beatitude began by visiting the Sisters of the Saviour, meeting with the sisters and learning about their spiritual and Pastoral mission, while commending their quiet yet faithful service.
He then visited the Jesuit Centre, where he was welcomed by Fr. Michael, regional superior of the Society of Jesus; Fr. Bimil, SJ, director of the Centre; and members of the Pastoral and educational staff. During the visit, the Centre’s mission was presented, with particular attention to its biblical formation programs, liturgical life, and its outreach to migrants from various parts of the world. His Beatitude expressed deep appreciation for their ongoing efforts in Jordan and for their commitment to proclaiming the Word of God.
The Patriarch also visited the Pontifical Mission, where he met with the administrative team and was briefed on the institution’s humanitarian and development programs supporting the most vulnerable. Emphasizing the Church’s call to integral service, he highlighted the importance of humanitarian work that flows directly from the Gospel.
Further encounters included a fraternal visit to Fr. Zaid Habbaba, parish priest of the Chaldean Catholic community in Jordan, who presented His Beatitude with a wooden Chaldean cross. The conversation offered an opportunity to reflect on the history, challenges, and hopes of the Chaldean faithful. His Beatitude then visited the Franciscan Sisters, praising their dedication and fidelity to their vocation.
Later in the day, the Patriarch visited the De La Salle School, where he was welcomed by the school administration and students. The students presented the school’s educational and humanitarian mission, followed by a tour of its facilities. During the visit, His Beatitude also met with several sick parishioners, administering to them the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, a tangible sign of the Church’s closeness to those who suffer, while emphasizing the importance of hope and faith…
This report was originally published on the Website of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Please click here to read the full text.