On Tuesday, November 25 the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students at the St. Andrew campus of St. Andrew-St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School welcomed Abouna Sleman Hassan from Jordan to their campus. Abouna Sleman answered questions about those things teenagers universally are curious about – Why did you become a priest? How many brothers and sisters do you have? Do you have a smartphone? How did you learn so many languages?
“Baba” is the endearing term for father in Arabic, and the more formal, Abouna, means “Father,” so priests are referred to as “Father”, just like they are here in the USA. Abouna Sleman, translated into American English, is Father Solomon. However, we welcomed our honored guest as “Abouna Sleman,” out of respect and an appreciation to learn a little bit about Catholic life in Jordan.
Abouna’s gentle and engaging spirit radiates Christ. He captivated the students as he taught a beautiful song about the holy sites and significant events of Jesus’ life: Nazareth – Emmanuel, Bethlehem -Maranatha, Jerusalem – Hosanna, Alleluia! This was one of many songs the Arab Catholics composed to welcome Pope Francis to the Holy Land in May, 2014. We plan to sing the song at future school masses – perfect timing for the Advent season!
Abouna Sleman also shared a video about his ministry with the youth in the Holy Land, and also some pictures of Pope Francis’ May visit. Abouna Sleman was the personal assistant and master of ceremonies, accompanying the pope throughout his Holy Land visit. Abouna had many personal encounters he was privileged to witness with Pope Francis. He shared some of these anecdotes with our students – beautiful illustrations of the pope’s genuine spirit of compassion and love for all people.
Our students shared the gift of music in return. The 7th graders were taught “We Are One in the Spirit” by Mr. Powers, and they sang this song, with Abouna Sleman joining in! The entire student body, as a sign of welcoming Abouna Sleman into our SASEAS family, shared our “school hymn”, All You Works of God, which they learn in kindergarten and we sing at every all school mass. Seventh grader Joely Virzi had a persona gift – a Webkins reindeer – to share with Abouna’s 8 year-old sister.
Lastly, our 8th grade student body President, Erin Ashley, presented hand-made cards created by our 6th and 7th grade students and a school jacket was presented by Vice-President Tommy Thaxton.
How fitting that this visit occurred during Thanksgiving week. What a tremendous blessing for us to have such a beautiful witness of our faith in Abouna Sleman, and to connect with our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land. As we enter into this Advent season, perhaps our students feel just a bit more connected to the people whose ancestors witnessed first-hand the miraculous birth of the Son of God.
Submitted by: Sharon Bohlen
Reblogged this on Come to the Water and commented:
Here is a blog post about our guest from Jordan, a significant part of the historic biblical events of the Holy Land. Abouna Sleiman Hassan, a young priest in charge of the entire youth ministry from the Latin Patriarchate in the Holy Land, left a profound impression on our students. The Catholic Church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic…begun in the Holy Land by our Lord, Jesus Christ. Please follow this link to the entire story.
Many thanks for sharing this entry and for both your beautiful welcome and kindness shown to Abouna Sleman!
I shall be praying for him, as well as for all of his benefactors, throughout his sojourn in Milford and Greater Cincinnati.
I certainly hope the weather’s better there than it is here in New Jersey!
Blessings on All.
CUTE CUTE CUTE …..