Al Maghtas: As the Church celebrates the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, attention turns once again to Bethany beyond the Jordan, the place where Christians believe Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist.
Located on the eastern bank of the Jordan River in present day Jordan, the site is today known as Al Maghtas, an Arabic word meaning baptism or immersion. The Gospel of John clearly points to this place, saying that John the Baptist was baptising beyond the Jordan and that Jesus later returned there.
Early Christian writers such as Origen and John Chrysostom explained that this Bethany was different from the village near Jerusalem. In ancient times it was also known as Bethabara, a name found in early Gospel manuscripts and on the sixth century Madaba map. Jewish texts such as the Talmud also mention the place.
Archaeological discoveries at Al Maghtas have brought these traditions to life. Excavations have revealed the remains of churches, chapels, monks caves, mosaics, marble floors and a large cross shaped baptistery. These structures show that the site became an important centre of worship from the early centuries of Christianity.
In the late fifth century, a church dedicated to John the Baptist was built there under Byzantine Emperor Anastasius. Though it was damaged several times by floods and earthquakes, pilgrims continued to visit the area. One sixth century pilgrim described a tall church raised above the river because of frequent flooding.
Nearby stands the site of the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, built to recall the moment when the Father, Son and Holy Spirit were revealed during Jesus baptism. Excavations suggest it was once a large and impressive church.
Close to Al Maghtas is Tell al Kharrar, also known as Elijah Hill, linked to the prophet Elijah. A monastery was built there in his honour during the Byzantine period.
Because of its deep spiritual and historical value, the area of Bethany beyond the Jordan was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015. UNESCO describes it as a place of immense importance for Christians, marked by centuries of prayer, pilgrimage and monastic life.
Several Popes have visited the site in modern times. Saint John Paul II prayed there during the Jubilee Year 2000. Pope Benedict XVI visited in 2009 and launched the construction of a new church. Pope Francis came in 2014, meeting refugees, sick children and people with disabilities who had found safety in Jordan.
In January 2025, the new Church of the Baptism of the Lord was solemnly consecrated. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, representing Pope Francis, presided at the ceremony. Today it stands as the largest Catholic church in Jordan, alongside churches of other Christian communities, welcoming pilgrims from around the world to the place where the Christian story of baptism began.