Jordan is preparing for the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus' baptism in 2030

– Dale Gavlak, Amman (Jordan), OSV News

Jordan has kicked off preparations to celebrate the 2,000th anniversary of the Baptism of the Lord four years from now, in 2030, at the very site where St. John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ, in Bethany, as described in the Gospel (John 1:28–34).

To date, four popes have visited this site of great religious significance: Saint Paul VI in 1964, followed by Saint John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis. Jordan It is the only country to have hosted all four popes, who recognized the site's importance.

On August 12, Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan signed the agreements to begin development work on the land adjacent to the Site of the Baptism, in order to commemorate the second millennium of Christ's baptism in 2030, by order of King Abdullah II of Jordan.

Construction of a Museum of Baptism and Other Initiatives

The projects, with a total budget of $120 million, include the construction of a Baptism Museum and a village for pilgrims and visitors, as well as the development of nature trails near the World Heritage Site, in accordance with UNESCO’s recommendations for the site’s conservation.

King Abdullah and his government are working with Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the Council of Church Leaders in Jordan, including Auxiliary Bishop Iyad Twal, the Latin Patriarchal Vicar in Jordan. At the same time, they are coordinating ideas and efforts with Christian churches and institutions around the world.

Millions of pilgrims are expected

The organizers said they expect millions of Christian pilgrims and other participants to arrive at Jordan to take part in this historic commemoration of the Site of the Baptism, the starting point of Christ’s earthly mission following his baptism in the Jordan River.

‘A prophetic sign of unity’

During a meeting held on May 18 with King Abdullah and the country’s clergy, Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized that “the Lord’s baptism is not merely a historical event of the past, but an eternal moment that still challenges each one of us.”.

“In it we see the humility of the Son of God, who entered the waters of the Jordan to sanctify creation and open the way to salvation for all of us,” said the cardinal. 

“Baptism marks the beginning: the beginning of Christ’s mission and the beginning of our new life in it,” he said.

Not merely a memory of the past, but a prophetic sign of unity, peace, and living faith

Recognizing King Abdullah’s work as custodian of the holy Christian sites and his efforts toward peace, Cardinal Pizzaballa stated that, by commemorating the baptism of Christ, “we can make 2030 not only a remembrance of the past, but a prophetic sign of unity, peace, and living faith for the whole world.”. 

“May God be with us all as we prepare for this important event,” he added.

Jafar Hassan, Prime Minister of Jordan, highlighted Jordan’s message of coexistence, respect for others, peace, love, and human brotherhood. He also stated that the second millennium of the Baptism of Jesus Christ reflects Jordan’s historical and religious standing and its role as a global destination for Christian pilgrimage. 

Hassan stated that the government is mobilizing all available resources to support the event, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen Jordan's position as a land of religious heritage and a global destination for Christian pilgrims.

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Dale Gavlak writes for OSV News from Amman, Jordan.

This information was originally published in OSV News. You can read it here.