Oasis for Catholics

By BARBARA OLIVER- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

In the northwest highlands of Jordan is the town of Anjara, believed to be a resting place for Jesus, Mary and the disciples as they passed from Galilee through the Decapolis.

Anjara -- designated by the Vatican as one of the five official pilgrim sites in Jordan for the Jubilee Year 2000 -- is home to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Mountains. What draws thousands of pilgrims annually is a life-sized Italian woodcarving of the Virgin Mother holding the baby Jesus.

The Blessed Mother is draped in Damask silk, with gold threads from the 14th Century or earlier. The statue is housed in a protective glass enclosure, set into the backdrop of a stone grotto constructed in 1970. Coincidentally, the statue dates to 1847 -- the year the Diocese of Albany was established. It was also the year the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem was restored. The wooden Madonna came from Italy to the Middle East as a gift from the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre.

Catholic history

Although Christians account for only four percent of the total population of Jordan, Catholicism has a long history in Anjara. Byzantine remains from the 4th and 5th centuries have been found in the area. Also, census data from the 16th century documents Christian families living in the town.

However, it wasn't until 1883 that Anjara became a mission of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Mass was celebrated in people's homes until 1932, when a room in the current rectory was turned into a small church.

The walls of the Shrine chapel display a series of colorful murals, painted from 1981-1984 by an artist named Fernando Michaellini from Milan, Italy. All but one of the murals depict key biblical events.

The one like none other shows two modern-day Arab men, dressed in suits and ties. Rev. Joseph Ni'mat, pastor, said they are the Martyrs of Ajlun -- two Christian teachers who were slain by Muslim extremists on March 16, 1981, allegedly for using passages from the Koran to teach Arabic to their students.

An investigation of the murders turned up a hit list with Father Ni'mat's name in the number three spot. Jordanian authorities thwarted any further action on the part of would-be assassins and are quick to point out that the incident is the only known violence within its borders of Muslims against Christians.

Presence

The Shrine complex includes the main church (Our Lady of the Visitation), a school, rectory and hall. Father Ni'mat, pastor for the last 40 years, says his parish has 600 members.

The school, with 350 students, is a mix of Christian and Muslim children. Religion classes for the two faiths are taught separately. Both Arabic and English are mandatory subjects.

Father Ni'mat believes the parish school is a bridge of understanding. He encounters graduates of years past who have much more tolerance and respect for each other's faith and culture.

Jubilee celebration

Ecumenical relations between the Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches in Jordan are unique in all the world. The two have synchronized their liturgical calendars for the major feasts. All the Orthodox celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25, for example, while the Roman Catholics celebrate Easter according to the Orthodox calendar.

More than 5,000 people attended the special Holy Year celebration at the Shrine on June 10, the feast day of Our Lady of the Mountains. June 10 is also a national holiday to commemorate the anniversary of the Great Arab Revolt of 1916-1918.

Anjara is one of the Patriarchate's 80 parishes in four Middle Eastern countries: Palestine, Jordan, Israel and Cyprus.

(08-03-00) [[In-content Ad]]