From September 3-7, 2025, the 11th edition of the Franciscan March was held in Jordan, which this year took on a unique international scope. Along with Jordanian youth, Iraqi and Palestinian refugee youth in the country also participated, as well as small groups from Galilee, Bethlehem and Syria. It was a sign of unity and hope that crossed borders and difficulties in the region.
The journey began on Wednesday, September 3 at the Holy Land College in Amman, where participants were welcomed with moments of fraternity and animation. The day culminated with Mass presided by Brother Raphael Taieme accompanied by the Custos of the Holy Land, who in his homily recalled the importance of strengthening personal relationship with the Lord as the basis for building authentic relationships with others. The evening continued with dinner, games, reflections and a community meditation.
At dawn on Sept. 4, the young people left for Main, halfway between Amman and Mount Nebo. Here Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa led a meeting on vocation and celebrated Mass with the youth, also sharing dinner with them. The evening ended with moments of games, prayer and fraternity.
On September 5, the march resumed early in the morning, with an almost five-hour walk to Mount Nebo, a place charged with biblical memory. After a time of rest, the day was brightened by the celebration of the feast of St. Moses together with Father Rashid, director of the school at Terra Santa College in Amman. In the evening, the youth experienced a profound moment of spirituality with adoration and Eucharistic blessing in front of Mount Nebo Church.
The morning of Sept. 6 was devoted to blessing, confessions and worship, followed by a community lunch. In the afternoon the children participated in a visit to Mount Nebo and in the evening they shared a final celebration with games and activities. The following morning the march concluded with a Eucharistic celebration, evaluation of the experience and a final lunch before farewells.
This edition of the Franciscan March in Jordan left a deep mark of hope and communion on the young people: intense days of walking, prayer and fraternity that renewed their faith and strength to witness the Gospel in their respective contexts, which are often difficult and marked by the experience of migration and trial.
Francesco Guaraldi
