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Jordan River

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa blesses the people with the water he previously collected from the River Jordan. The cardinal presided over the Mass of the Feast of Baptism, on Friday, January 12, near the Jordan River. | Credit: Marinella Bandini

Thousands Gather at Jordan River with Patriarch to Mark Baptism of Jesus

Jan 13, 2024

For 2,000 years, since Jesus descended into the waters of the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist, the river has been a pilgrimage site for Christians from around the world. And on the banks of that river, for the past 24 years, on the second Friday of January, the Catholic community in the region has undertaken a pilgrimage, gathering around its patriarch, to celebrate the baptism of Jesus.

St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox monastery on the Jordan River in the West Bank. Credit: Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida (CC BY 2.0)

Franciscan Friars Return to Site of Christ's Baptism after 50 Years

Jan 10, 2021

For the first time in over 54 years, the Franciscan friars of the Custody of the Holy Land were able to offer Mass on their property at the site of Christ’s baptism, located in the West Bank.

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