Source: SIR
Liturgical songs in Aramaic language, Jesus’ language, will resound too at the Mass the Pope will officiate in the stadium of Amman, during his forthcoming journey to the Holy Land next May. They will be sung by the Iraqi Catholic refugees of the Chaldean rite who have fled to Jordan to escape sectarian violence in their native country. A small delegation might then meet Benedict XVI and tell him of their sufferings as refugees. This was announced to SIR by father Raymond Moussalli, vicar of the Chaldean bishopric of Jordan, who for some time has been taking care of the about 20 thousand Christian refugees in the Hashemite kingdom. “Our devotees are looking forward to hearing the Pontiff’s word of encouragement – states the vicar –, but it is all of Jordan that is looking forward to meeting Benedict XVI. From the Mosque of King Hussein, the Pope will turn a new leaf in the dialogue with Islam”. As reported today by the spokesman of the Catholic Church, father Refaat Badr, Benedict XVI will arrive in Jordan on May 8th and will leave for Israel on 11th. In Jordan, he will visit Mount Nebo, the place where Jesus was baptised, on the banks of the Jordan, and in the Mosque of King Hussein he should give a speech to some Jordanian Islamic leaders.