JORDAN – On January 13th, 2023, in the church of the Good Shepherd of Our Lady of Peace Center in Amman, His Beatitude Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over the priestly ordinations of deacons Michael Munther Al-Thib, from the parish of the Immaculate Conception (Husson), and Yazan Farid Bader, from the parish of Mar Elias in Wahadneh.

The Mass was concelebrated by Mgr Fouad Twal, Patriarch Emeritus, Mgr Jamal Daibes, Patriarchal Vicar in Jordan, Mgr Joseph Jebara, Melkite Catholic Archbishop of Jordan, Mgr Salim Al-Sayegh and Mgr Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, bishops emeritus, Bishops of the Coordination of the Holy Land, Fr. Bernard Poggi, Rector of the Beit Jala Seminary. Many priests, deacons, sisters and faithful attended the celebration.

In his homily, His Beatitude commented on the unconditional love of Christ shown in the Gospel reading (John 13:1-17), which tells of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. He gave the two new priests advice to keep in mind as they start their ministry, saying: “Love is a lifestyle. It is learned every day, and is not based on sentiments. Only through your personal relationship with Christ will you be able to love and serve the people without measure," he added. "Do not wait for gratification... Your life is no longer yours, its Christ’s. More of Him and less of you."

After the homily, Fr. Iyad Bader, godfather of Yazan Badr, and Fr. Issa Hijazin, godfather of Michael Al-Thib, stood by the two deacons as they proclaimed their desire to receive the sacrament of priesthood. The choir responded by singing their declaration as a symbol of earth and heaven being unified in the fulfillment of this desire. Then, the Patriarch and all the bishops and priests extended their hands over the future priests' heads to offer them the sacrament through the gift of the Holy spirit. Unified with other priests, the two deacons then put on their new garments, before the Patriarch anointed their palms with the Holy oil of Myron and handed them the Cup and the Bread.

The crowed rejoiced with songs as they celebrated the two new priests of the Latin Patriarchate.

Click here to see the album of the celebration!