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By Anthony Maliki in Amman, Jordan
The ninth batch of Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land have rounded off their spiritual journey to Jordan Saturday evening.
The pilgrims took Thursday off upon arrival in the morning in Amman, Jordan and later on Friday first Machaerus fortress, where John The Baptist was imprisoned and later beheaded by King Herod Antipas.
The pilgrims also visited Mount Nebo where God showed Prophet Moses the Promised Land but didn’t get into it. In both places, the pilgrims prayed for peace and unity of Nigeria.
On Saturday morning the Christian pilgrims continue their visits to Holy Sites in Jordan with a stop over at Jabbok River.
The river was where Jacob wrestled with the angel of God on his way back to the land of Canaan after running away from his brother Esau upon deceiving his father to receive the blessing from their aged father, Isaac.
Jacob was believed to hold to angel until he was blessed and God changed the name from Jacob to Israel.
Pilgrims during the prayer session in Amman, Jordan
Pilgrims also visited the ruins of Umm Qais where Jesus Christ preached and performed miracles. Within the vast ruins of once flourishing city, pilgrims were seen in groups offering prayers and Thanksgiving.
Rt. Rev. Ini Ukpho, Chaplain, National Christian Centre, Abuja, however, at the general morning devotion, urged pilgrims to focus their attention to God rather other things while in the Holy Land.
He also called upon them to get their motives right for when that is done, they would receive more than expected.
The chaplain further encouraged the pilgrims to pray for peace in their hearts and homes and kindness should not depart from all.
Before the general devotion, the Catholic faithful held their Mass officiated be Rev. Father Maurice Hassan.
Bishop of Lagos Central, Methodist Church Nigeria and spiritual leader of the ninth batch of Christian pilgrims, Rt. Rev. Dr. Samuel R. Nortey, addresses the congregation in Amman, Jordan
On Friday, the pilgrims were reminded to wholly focus on the desire to pray for the country to be a better place.
They were also urged to uplift their aims to achieve their purpose for the Pilgrimage.
Venerable Andrus Ukaejiofo (rtd) of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Abuja, gave the admonition in an exaltation after return of pilgrims from visits to Holy Sites.
According to him, pilgrims should fervently pray for Nigeria and its leader especially President Bola Tinubu and his administration.
He also urged the pilgrims not to forget to pray the purpose of the Pilgrimage so to encounter spiritual upliftment.
The Bishop of Lagos Central, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Dr. Samuel R. Nortey and spiritual leader of the ninth batch, urged the pilgrims to experience God’s presence in the pilgrimage to receive spiritual encounter.
During Saturday evening devotion, the officiating Pastor Olusegun Akinbodewa, urged the pilgrims to pray for Jordanians to experience Christ as Jesus was unveiled on their side of River Jordan.
He thank God for the peace in Jordan to enable Christians carry out this pilgrimage.
A Pastor and leader of group seven, Aaron Kinu Kabirwa urged Christians in Nigerians to be united for a strong Christiandom to strive.
Catholic pilgrims take photo with Rev Father Joseph Gandu and Rev Father Maurice Hassan
He posed the question where did Christians got it wrong that Jordan, once a dominant Christian country is now over 90 per cent Muslim.
Mr. Ebenezer Awogbami, Head, Stores, of Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), expressed satisfaction of the Pilgrimage in Jordan.
He told journalists in Amman, Jordan that exercise was smooth as pilgrims were provided good accommodation and their feeding was great.
Before leaving for Israel, the Catholics celebrated Mass with Rev. Father Joseph Gandu as Chief celebrant assisted by Fr. Maurice Hassan followed by the general congregational devotion.
The pilgrims, of the ninth batch of 2024 Main Pilgrimage, are mainly from Nasarawa, FCT and Consular delegation.
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