Jordanian Christians Make Annual Pilgrimage To The Shrine Of The Prophet Elijah In Ajloun

(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Ajloun, July 18 (Petra) – Christians across Jordan gathered today, Friday, for the annual Christian pilgrimage day at The Shrine of the Prophet Elijah (Mar Elias) in Ajloun Governorate, one of the Kingdom's key pilgrimage sites.
The Divine Liturgy was led by the Patriarchal Vicar for Latins in Jordan, Bishop Iyad Twal, with broad participation from parishioners and churches in the governorate, alongside local priests: Father Salam Haddad from Al-Wahadneh Church, Father Johnny Bahbah from Ajloun Church, and Father Yousef Francis from Anjara Church.
During his homily, Bishop Twal spoke of the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage day and the feast of Saint Elias, noting that gathering in this sacred place represents a convergence of time and space. He emphasized humanity's call to be the "salt of the earth and light of the world" at all times.
Bishop Twal stressed that the people of the Holy Land carry a special message, distinct from other parts of the world, due to its blessings and challenges. He highlighted that the life of Prophet Elias offers contemporary lessons in courage, truth, faith in divine providence, the power of prayer, humility, and hope in eternal life.
Father Rifat Bader, Director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media, delivered a welcoming address on behalf of the area's priests. He underscored the importance of the shrine, located in the Listib area, which Christian tradition holds as the birthplace of Prophet Elias and the site of his ascension into heaven in a chariot of fire, near the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ (Al-Maghtas).
Father Bader noted the twenty-five-year milestone since Christian pilgrimage began to this holy place, recalling the activities and events organized by churches over the past quarter-century.
He also extended greetings to Father Manuel Bader, who is celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of his priesthood, having been ordained in 1965 and celebrated his first Divine Liturgy in this region sixty years ago.
Father Bader led prayers for the souls of the three martyrs who died in the shelling of the Holy Family Church in Gaza on Thursday, as well as for the injured and wounded, including Parish Priest Father Gabriel Romanelli. Prayers were also offered for the victims of the terrorist attack on Saint Elias Church in Damascus.
Father Bader urged attendees to pray for all those working for peace, especially His Majesty King Abdullah II and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II. He stressed the importance for believers to emulate Prophet Elias's resilience in confronting challenges and maintaining hope amidst wars and violence.
Concluding the liturgy, Father Salam Haddad, Pastor of The Shrine of the Prophet Elijah (Mar Elias) in Al-Wahadneh, delivered a speech thanking Bishop Twal and all entities that contributed to the success of the pilgrimage day.
He specifically acknowledged the Ajloun Governorate, security agencies, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Jordan Tourism Board, as well as the church committees, the St. Paul Choir in Ajloun, the St. Elias Choir in Al-Wahadneh, the altar servers, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus Scouts and Guides group from Tla' Al-Ali.
Father Manuel Bader also spoke, expressing pride in his connection to The Shrine of the Prophet Elijah (Mar Elias) area and being the first priest ordained there sixty years ago. He extended gratitude to the Latin Patriarchate, the Latin Vicariate, and all who offered congratulations on his Diamond Jubilee of priestly ordination.

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