Jordanian Christians Gather for Annual Pilgrimage to The Shrine of the Prophet Elijah in Ajloun

Ajloun: Christians across Jordan gathered today for the annual Christian pilgrimage day at The Shrine of the Prophet Elijah (Mar Elias) in Ajloun Governorate, a significant pilgrimage site in the Kingdom. The Divine Liturgy was led by the Patriarchal Vicar for Latins in Jordan, Bishop Iyad Twal, with participation from parishioners and churches in the region, along with local priests, including Father Salam Haddad, Father Johnny Bahbah, and Father Yousef Francis. According to Jordan News Agency, during his homily, Bishop Twal highlighted the spiritual importance of the pilgrimage day and the feast of Saint Elias. He spoke about the gathering as a convergence of time and space and emphasized the call for humanity to be the “salt of the earth and light of the world.” Bishop Twal pointed out the unique message carried by the people of the Holy Land, shaped by its blessings and challenges, and emphasized the contemporary lessons drawn from the life of Prophet Elias, including courage, truth, faith, prayer, humil ity, and hope. Father Rifat Bader, Director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media, delivered a welcoming address, underscoring the significance of the shrine, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Prophet Elias and the site of his ascension into heaven. Father Bader noted the milestone of twenty-five years since Christian pilgrimage commenced at this holy site and recalled the various activities organized by churches over the past quarter-century. Father Bader also extended greetings to Father Manuel Bader, celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of his priesthood, having been ordained in 1965. He led prayers for the souls lost in the shelling of the Holy Family Church in Gaza, the victims of the terrorist attack on Saint Elias Church in Damascus, and for those working towards peace, urging believers to emulate Prophet Elias’s resilience. Concluding the liturgy, Father Salam Haddad expressed gratitude to Bishop Twal and all contributors to the success of the pilgrimage day, including the Ajloun Govern orate, security agencies, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and several church-related organizations. Father Manuel Bader also spoke, expressing pride in his connection to the shrine and gratitude to those who supported the celebrations of his Diamond Jubilee.