The Holy See made public yesterday the Latin text of a letter from Pope Francis to Cardinal Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, appointing him as papal legate to consecrate the Church of the Baptism of Jesus at the Jordan River. The Church, erected on property donated for the purpose by Jordan’s King Abdullah II, has been under construction for fifteen years, its foundation stone being blessed by Pope Benedict XVI when that pontiff visited the Holy Land in 2009.
The site, Al-Maghtas (also known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan), was added to the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 2015, and is traditionally believed to be the location of the Baptism of Our Lord by John the Baptist, the feast of which is observed on January 13 in the Latin rite.
An fascinating summary of the holy site’s history is given on the website of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
It is most fitting that this consecration takes place during the traditional Octave of the Epiphany.
Below is an AI translation of the Holy Father’s letter.1
To Our Venerable Brother
PETER, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church PAROLIN
Secretary of State
“It pleased God, however, not to sanctify and save men individually, without any mutual connection, but to establish them as a people, who would acknowledge Him in truth and serve Him in holiness” (Lumen gentium, 9). Since this service of the People of God is also rendered in sacred buildings, especially in the celebration of the Eucharist, it is necessary to care for the beauty of the house of the Lord, for blessed are those who dwell in His house; they will praise Him forever (cf. Ps 84:5).
As we know, in these days the clergy and faithful in Jordan are awaiting with grateful and joyful hearts the solemn consecration of the Church of the Baptism of Jesus at the Jordan River, whose construction has been undertaken for nearly fifteen years. Since this is an event of great importance, the Venerable Brother Giovanni Pietro Dal Toso, Archbishop of the titular see of Foratiana and Apostolic Nuncio in the Kingdom of Jordan, with the support of the local Church’s bishops and after consulting His Beatitude Pierbattista Cardinal Pizzaballa, O.F.M., Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has earnestly requested that a Pontifical Legate be appointed to enhance this solemn occasion, in which it is expected that Catholic faithful, together with other Christians and people of goodwill, will participate, and to preside over the rite of consecration of this new temple, thereby representing Us in Jordan and manifesting Our love for that flock.
Granting this request, We turn Our thoughts to you, Venerable Brother, who diligently fulfill the office of Secretary of State, and by this Letter We appoint you as Our Legate for the consecration of the said church, which will take place on the 10th of January in the aforementioned location, so significant for those who profess the Christian faith.
You will preside over the solemn Eucharist and exhort all present with your words to ever greater imitation of Christ: for it is necessary that, with renewed strength and zeal, they demonstrate a special love for Christ, the Church, and the Gospel, and burn with the virtues of solid faith, living hope, and love for their neighbors.
We also ask that you convey Our greetings to all gathered there: to the sacred pastors, priests, religious men and women, and lay faithful. Finally, we desire that you extend words of Our goodwill to the civil authorities, as well as to adherents of other religions, and to all who diligently promote the Church’s mission, the concept of religious freedom, peace on earth, and the sincere good of the human person.
May your mission be accompanied by the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, as well as St. Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer, and St. John the Baptist. Finally, as a pledge of heavenly grace and a testimony of Our goodwill, as well as a sign of Our affection for you and a token of heavenly gifts, We impart to you, Venerable Brother, Our Apostolic Blessing, which We also wish you to bestow in Our name upon all participants in the celebration.
Given at Rome, at the Lateran, on the 30th day of December, in the year 2024, the twelfth of Our Pontificate.
Image courtesy of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
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