The Catholic Church boasts a myriad of sacred structures that dot landscapes across the globe. Among them is the Co-Cathedral of the Latin Patriarchate in Amman, Jordan. This sanctuary isn’t just an architectural marvel; it serves as a bridge between Western and Eastern Christian traditions. Delve with us into the rich tapestry of history and significance interwoven with this gem of the Middle East.
1. The Latin Patriarchate’s Revival in Jerusalem
The Co-Cathedral in Amman is intimately connected to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Historically, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem had ceased to exist since the fall of the Crusader Kingdom in 1291. It was only in the 19th century that it saw a revival.
The Church, in fact, is the Kingdom of Christ already present in mystery… and the Church on earth is endowed already with a sanctity that is real though imperfect. – Catechism of the Catholic Church 764[^1]
The above quote highlights the Church’s ever-evolving and persistent nature. This restoration of the Patriarchate signaled the Church’s resilience and its commitment to maintaining a significant presence in the Holy Land, regardless of historical challenges.
2. Why “Co-Cathedral”?
The term ‘Co-Cathedral’ may lead some to ask: why not simply ‘cathedral’? The title ‘Co-Cathedral’ signifies a church that shares the rank of a cathedral with another. In this case, the Co-Cathedral in Amman shares its status with the Cathedral of the Holy Name of Jesus in Jerusalem.
3. Bridging East and West through Architecture
While the Co-Cathedral belongs to the Latin (or Roman) tradition, its architectural design subtly incorporates elements reminiscent of Eastern Christian traditions. This blend reflects Jordan’s geographical position and the confluence of Eastern and Western Christian traditions in the region.
4. Presence Amidst a Muslim Majority
Jordan, where over 90% of the population is Muslim, has always had a vibrant Christian minority. The Co-Cathedral stands as a testament to the enduring Christian presence in the region, and more broadly, to the Catholic Church’s universality.
The Catholic Church recognizes in other religions that search, among shadows and images, for the God who is unknown yet near since he gives life and breath and all things and wants all men to be saved. – Catechism of the Catholic Church 843[^1]
This affirmation, grounded in Vatican II’s Nostra Aetate, acknowledges the reverence and respect the Catholic Church holds for other faith traditions.
5. A Hub for Cultural Events
Beyond its religious significance, the Co-Cathedral is a hub for cultural events, including concerts and interfaith dialogues. This underscores the Catholic vision of culture being “elevated and assumed” in Christ[^2].
Christ, the final Adam, by the revelation of the mystery of the Father and His love, fully reveals man to man himself and makes his supreme calling clear. – Gaudium et Spes 22[^3]
Here, the Council Fathers highlighted the role of Christ – and by extension, His Church – in revealing humanity’s full potential, including its cultural expressions.
6. An Oasis of Peace
In a region often marred by political strife, the Co-Cathedral stands as an oasis of peace, offering spiritual solace to all who enter its doors. This is consistent with the Catholic Church’s call for peace and reconciliation, especially in troubled areas.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. – Matthew 5:9[^4]
7. Local Patron Saints
One of the distinct features of the Co-Cathedral is its reverence for local saints, bridging the universal and the local in a unique expression of faith. Among the most venerated is St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of Jordan.
Conclusion
The Co-Cathedral of the Latin Patriarchate in Amman isn’t just a building of bricks and mortar; it’s a living testament to the enduring, universal, and local expressions of the Catholic faith. In its arches, walls, and altars, it tells stories of resilience, faith, culture, and the quest for peace in a turbulent region.
[^1]: Catechism of the Catholic Church, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1997.
[^2]: Catechism of the Catholic Church 1679.
[^3]: Second Vatican Council, Gaudium et Spes, 7 December 1965.
[^4]: The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition.