Different paths to same vocation: Twin brothers ordained priests in Aleppo, Syria

[Michie]

The entrance into the Franciscan church in Aleppo, Syria, of the twins George and Johnny Jallouf, friars of the Custody of the Holy Land, who were ordained priests on July 6, 2024. The two ordinands are wearing the priestly vestments with which they were clothed during the ordination rite. They were 15 when the war in Syria broke out. Their vocation was born and grew amid the Battle of Aleppo. “I tried to attend Mass every day,” George recounted. “I was afraid, but I kept repeating to myself ‘I fear nothing because you are with me.’ This phrase guided me, reassured me, gave me peace.” | Credit: Photo courtesy of the Tawk Center

On Saturday, July 6, twin brothers George and Johnny Jallouf, friars of the Custody of the Holy Land, were ordained priests in their hometown of Aleppo, Syria.

It marked the first priestly ordination in 17 years at St. Francis Church in Aleppo, a city that suffered massive destruction between 2012 and 2016 during the Syrian War.

The brothers were ordained by their uncle — also a Franciscan and for the past few months Latin apostolic vicar of Aleppo — Father Hanna Jallouf.

“We grew up in a family that instilled in us a living faith and a love for prayer,” the brothers told CNA.

Born in January 1996, the twins were not given much hope initially. “Our mother made several vows for our health, including one to St. Anthony. That’s why as children, she dressed us in Franciscan robes.”

Twins George and Johnny Jallouf, as toddlers, wearing the Franciscan habit. They were born in January 1996 and were not given much hope initially. “Our mother made several vows for our health, including one to St. Anthony. That's why as children, she dressed us in Franciscan robes.” The twins were ordained priests on July 6, 2024, in Aleppo, Syria, their hometown. Credit: Photo courtesy of George and Johnny Jallouf

Continued below.

Twin brothers ordained priests in Aleppo, Syria

It marked the first priestly ordination in 17 years at St. Francis Church in Aleppo, a city that suffered massive destruction during the 2012–2016 Syrian War.

www.catholicnewsagency.com

 

[RileyG]

Glory to God!