Cardinals Parolin, Pizzaballa share joy for Consecration of Jesus’ Baptism Church
From the site of the Church of the Baptism of Jesus in Jordan, which has just been consecrated, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa share their great joy for this historic event which brought several thousand pilgrims to the Jordan.
Deborah Castellano Lubov
“We know that everything around us speaks of conflicts, divisions, hatred, but today we also want to focus on the other part of life here, on the many people who want to give their lives to Jesus and to their neighbor.”
In an interview with Vatican News, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, shared this desire after the consecration of the Church of the Baptism of Jesus in Jordan on Friday morning.
The long-awaited event was chaired by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, and attracted some six thousand pilgrims and faithful.
At the Al-Maghtas baptism site, the cardinals shared their joy over this joyous and faith-filled occasion, which should also encourage us to have hope rather than despondency, especially during the Jubilee of the Hope.
Patriarch Pizzaballa explained that the Consecration marks the end of a long process. “The consecration of the Church,” he added, “is also a sign of renewal of the Church and a new beginning.”
“This place, which is the holy place of Jesus’ baptism, which also marks the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, marks a new beginning for the life of our Church.”
Recognizing the war in the Holy Land and the humanitarian crises which cause dramatic suffering, Patriarch Pizzaballa denounced the dramatic situation.
He emphasized that consecration is about focusing on the good, “the other part of life here,” which is manifested in the desire of many to offer their lives to the Lord and that of their neighbor.
Cardinal Parolin invites Christians to maintain hope
Cardinal Parolin also deplored the dramatic suffering, after declaring that his presence was a tangible act of closeness with Christians in the Middle East. He also suggested that the inauguration of the shrine was worth experiencing with joy.
As the Jubilee of Hope takes place in a dramatic situation here in the Middle East, Cardinal Parolin shared his personal sentiment for the consecration.
“It is true that this Jubilee began in a very complicated and very tragic situation,” he noted, attributing these tragedies to the ongoing war in many parts of the world.
“But,” he suggested, “the proclamation of Christianity and the Gospel” must promote peace and reconciliation.
Where Jesus became a member of the human family
“This place is very, very important because it is the place where Jesus became part of the human family,” he said.
Cardinal Parolin highlighted the importance of the Church and Christians as signs of peace, reconciliation and hope in this situation, emphasizing: “This is the vocation of the Jubilee.”
Asked about the importance of Jordan as a Middle Eastern country that has remained peaceful and harmonious, the Cardinal said: “We hope that Jordan will continue to play the role it plays at the regional level and of the international community. “
It is a place, he says, of moderation, dialogue and effort. He further urged the nation to overcome violence in a peaceful spirit regarding the importance and beauty of this day and this consecration.
