Cardinal Parolin Consecrates Church at the Site of the Baptism of Jesus

Al-Maghtas, Jordan, January 10, 2025: Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin led a historic Mass on Friday to consecrate the Church of the Baptism of the Lord in Al-Maghtas, Jordan. During the celebration, Cardinal Parolin said that this special occasion invites Christians to engage in an authentical spiritual renewal. He also reassured Middle East Christians that the universal Church is close to them.

In his homily, Cardinal Parolin emphasized the spiritual significance of Al-Maghtas. “For it was here that John the Baptist baptized Jesus,” he said, noting the site’s pivotal role in fulfilling the expectations of the Old Testament. 

Describing the site as “emblematic,” the Cardinal emphasized the profound message conveyed by its geography. “We are at the lowest point on earth,” he observed, “yet it is precisely here that God chose to meet us, as though to embrace even those who are far away.”

On behalf of Pope Francis, the Cardinal expressed the Church’s solidarity with Middle Eastern Christians, acknowledging their trials due to conflicts and war. He urged them to remain hopeful, reaffirming the Church’s support in their pursuit of a just and peaceful society. Cardinal Parolin also appealed for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of prisoners, and respect for humanitarian law while urging world leaders to work towards peace and coexistence.

Expressing his joy in participating in this historic moment, Cardinal Parolin affirmed that "God dwelt with us here". He went on to add that on this special day, the faithful are called to give thanks to the Almighty God, not just for the gift of the new church.“Everything starts with the fact that God became man and dwelt among us in this particular part of the world,” he said.

Cardinal Parolin conveyed Pope Francis’ gratitude to the Royal Household, particularly to King Abdullah II and the Government of Jordan, for their dedicated stewardship of this holy site since its identification in the 1990s by Father Michele Piccirillo. He also expressed his gratitude to Nadim Muasher for all his support towards the construction of the church.

The Cardinal expressed his hopes for the shrine to become a “privileged place” for believers to renew their Baptism and commitment to Christ. Highlighting the Jubilee Year as a time of mercy, he emphasized its significance for pilgrimage and spiritual renewal. “The site of the Baptism of Jesus is not simply a historical landmark, but a place for authentic spiritual renewal,” he said. In this land of suffering and conflict, Cardinal Parolin urged, “let us implore the gift of peace, the true peace that is born in hearts and spreads throughout society.”

The Cardinal concluded by urging the Christian faithful to join him in surrendering their hearts and lives to God "so that the peace Christ desires to bring may prevail in the Middle East."

Courtesy: Vatican News