On September 22, at the Roman Theatre in Jordan, the Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies – in collaboration with the Catholic Center for Studies and Media – hosted a show entitled “Spiritual Inspirations from the Land of the Baptism”.

Under the high patronage of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal, the event prepares the path towards the Great Jubilee that celebrates the two thousand years since the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.

Dr TAGHREED ODEH

Director of the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies

The idea was born when we wanted to do something different. We thought of the Roman Theatre because it has been there for two thousand years and holds within itself many messages linked to the history of Jordan and to the civilisations that developed here. The concert begins with a sister who prays to the Virgin Mary in the heart of the Jordanian capital, right at the centre of the Roman Theatre. It is a gesture that transmits many messages: of peace, passion, love, and mutual respect; values that are an integral part of the Jordanian reality.

We therefore identified in music the ideal means, also because we want to address the new generations.

Sr MARÍA FELICIDAD DE DIOS

Institute of the Servants of the Lord and of the Virgin of Matará

It is a great honour for me to be here with you, to take part in this important and beautiful event, to be able to sing on this stage with Christians and Muslims, to build bridges and to unite our two religions in every possible way. Because this is what our Lord wants: unity and harmony.

Ten Jordanian artists took part voluntarily in the event, blending Christian hymns and Islamic songs of praise to God, demonstrating the fact that music reaches the heart where common words cannot reach.

Fr RIF’AT BAADER

Director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media of Amman

In the 21st century, we are living new forms of hope for our generations. As can be seen, there are families and children who come to bear witness to the possibility of a peaceful coexistence; here we can glimpse the true face of Christianity and of Islam, founded on mutual respect and always oriented to the glory of God and to the good of people.

The concert not only promoted a fraternal coexistence, but also brought to light the value of Jordan as a Land of pilgrimage and hospitality for believers from all over the world, as witnessed by Rachel and Maria Elena, who work at the Embassy of the Philippines in Jordan.

RACHEL POMERADA

Head of cultural affairs - Embassy of the Philippines in Jordan

It is truly a beautiful message for all those who are here as Christians; it is truly positive that here in Jordan diversity and unity in faith are celebrated.

HE SALIM AL-OMARI

Commission for Tourism and Antiquities

Today we witnessed a great turnout of people of every nationality, coming both from Jordan and from abroad. Music is a language of peoples that unites everyone. Consequently, today’s evening offered a powerful image to transmit to the world: the image of the security and the tranquillity that our country enjoys, a generous nation that always opens its arms to welcome everyone.