SHOTLIST:

AL-MAGHTAS, JORDAN (JAN. 9, 2026) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL)

1. VARIOUS OF CATHOLIC CHRISTIANS PERFORMING PILGRIMAGE RITUALS

2. VISITOR FROM SYRIA, IHLAS AL-BESHARA SPEAKING (Arabic)

3. ANOTHER VISITOR, ZIYAD BADR SPEAKING (Arabic)

4. PEOPLE NEAR CHURCH (TWO SHOTS)

5. EXTERIOR OF CHURCH AL-MAGHTAS, JORDAN - JAN. 9, 2026: Catholic Christians in Jordan performed pilgrimage rituals along the banks of the Jordan River at Wadi Harrar (Al-Maghtas), believed to be the site where Jesus Christ was baptized, on Friday, Jan. 9.

Christian visitors from various countries participated in the pilgrimage program at Al-Maghtas, offering prayers in commemoration of Jesus' baptism.

Ihlas al-Beshara, a visitor from Syria’s Homs province, said the site holds deep and special meaning for her, noting its historical significance. She added that despite the pain caused by ongoing conflicts in the region, this year’s pilgrimage brought a stronger sense of spiritual unity.

Another visitor, Ziyad Badr, said it is believed that the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at the site, adding that the message of Jesus spread to the world from this blessed land and that the strong turnout once again highlighted its spiritual importance.