Faith Education in Terra Santa College | Franciscans, Youth and Faith

The teaching of religion is compulsory in schools in Jordan. The Terra Santa College carries out this teaching distinctly to both Christians and Muslims. Education in the Christian faith of the students of Terra Santa College takes place mainly under two aspects: one theoretical and the other practical. Regarding the first aspect the Christian religion is taught to all Christian students for three hours a week, one of these is dedicated either to prayer, or to watching a film about the life of Saints. For our Christian students we follow the programme of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, while for Muslims the programme of the Government Ministry. The practical aspect aims to develop in our students what they have learned during their lessons and to learn how to live it out; particularly evangelical charity. The various activities, which are coordinated by the teachers of each department, take place both inside the school and outside, and both Christian and Muslim students participate. I note just a few examples:

• Pilgrimages to places such as the Memorial of Moses on Mount Nebo, the site of the baptism, and to Our Lady of Anjara;
• Initiatives to help the poor and needy;
• When the month of fasting for Muslims (Ramadan) occurs during the school year, Iftar are organized in which all the students participate in a joyful family atmosphere.

  Two activities, which we do in collaboration with the "King Hussein Cancer Centre" and the "Tkiet Um Ali", characterise our College, by sensitizing students to the value of volunteer work. Through these programs we try to educate our students about human and spiritual values, solidarity, fraternity, coexistence, and respect for others in order to be good citizens. For more information about this ministry, please visit their website: www.terrasanta.edu.jo

Br. Rashid Mustrih, ofm College Principal

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This article is part of a series profiling the work that friars are doing throughout the world to accompany young people in faith. These stories are only a sample of the ways countless friars walk with young people today.  As we Franciscans prepare for the 2018 Synod of Bishops Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment. May these stories inspire all who read them to an ever-deeper commitment to sharing the Joy of the Gospel with our young sisters and brothers.