Msgr. Iyad Twal, the new Patriarchal Vicar in Jordan, presided over his first solemn Mass on the First Sunday of Lent, March 9th, 2025, at the Church of the Annunciation in Beit Jala. This celebration was held at the kind invitation of the Beit Jala parish and the Seminary. This celebration marked the first Mass celebrated by the new bishop in the Bethlehem Governorate, a region where he had served for most of his priestly years.
Several bishops, priests, and sisters attended the celebration, alongside representatives from other churches, the diplomatic and civil corps, and a large gathering of the faithful.
At the beginning of the Mass, Fr. Hanna Salem, the parish priest of Beit Jala, warmly welcomed Msgr. Iyad Twal with warm words full of fraternal love and acknowledgment. He recalled their shared years of study in the seminary of Beit Jala, which had contributed to the formation of generations of seminarians over the years. He also expressed gratitude to God for bestowing the gift of the episcopal ordination on his eminence, emphasizing that it is a joy to the seminary, which has produced many competent priests and bishops capable of carrying out the mission of service and pastoral care for God's people in the Diocese of Jerusalem.
In his homily, Msgr. Twal appeared visibly moved at first but then focused on the Gospel of the day (Jesus' temptations in the wilderness). He distinguished between temptation and doubt, explaining that temptation comes from external sources, while doubt originates within a person. He pointed out that Christ, in facing the three temptations, remained steadfast in His faith, preventing temptation from overcoming Him. He emphasized that overcoming inner doubt is the key to defeating external temptations, just as Christ did.
In the end, Fr. Bernard Poggi, Rector of the Seminary of Beit Jala, delivered a speech in which he thanked Msgr. Twal for his faithful service and sincere love for the Seminary, particularly in advancing academic affairs.
Following the Mass, attendees gathered to celebrate this blessed occasion, offering their congratulations to Msgr. Iyad Twal on his episcopal ordination.
The atmosphere was filled with joy, accompanied by the symphonies of the Papal Scout Band of Beit Jala.
