Canon Mark Madden is no stranger to the Holy Land, visiting several times a year, even since the latest conflict began in 2023.

However, this time, he will be bringing a special guest back to Liverpool with him – seminarian Salameh Azar.

Salameh, who is 26 and comes from the Bethlehem area, will be staying with Canon Mark in the parish of St Josephine Bakhita in Litherland for around 18 days. He is currently preparing to begin a full year of pastoral experience in the parish of Al-Husn, Northern Jordan.

He will follow a long line of seminarians that have come over from the Holy Land to stay in the UK during the summer months. Many have made the journey since this initiative started in 1994.

Speaking about the opportunity, Salameh said: “My coming to Liverpool came about through my seminary formation and thanks to the opportunity offered by Fr. Mark Madden to seminarians and priests from the Holy Land.

“I am very grateful to Fr. Mark and to the Archdiocese of Liverpool for giving me this opportunity to be here and to live this experience.

“I am hoping to learn from the pastoral life of the Church in Liverpool, to experience the life of the local Catholic community, and to grow through this time both spiritually and personally.

“I also hope to improve my English and better understand the Church’s mission in a different context.”

On 12 July, there will be Mass celebrated by Archbishop John Sherrington to formally welcome Salameh to the UK. The Mass will be at St Robert Bellarmine at 11.15am.

The Mass will also be attended by Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulchre.

On his time in Liverpool, Salameh added: “I am very excited to begin this experience in Liverpool.

“I feel truly grateful for this opportunity, and I hope it will be a meaningful time of learning, service, and encounter with the local Church and its people.”