In a coordinated effort with Chaldean dioceses across North America, the Chaldean community joined Bishop Francis Kalabat on November 6, at Mother of God Cathedral in Southfield, Michigan, for a special Mass and prayer service for peace in Iraq. The Mass and prayer service was organized in response to many weeks of violence and protests across Iraq.
Joined by priests of the diocese, Mass was celebrated by the Most Reverend Francis Y. Kalabat, Bishop of St. Thomas the Apostle Chaldean Catholic Diocese U.S.A.
“We’re hoping that our faith in God will help those who are in positions in Iraq, as leaders of government positions—or even leaders of the demonstrations—that are looking for peace… that you cannot have peace without love,” said Bishop Kalabat during his homily. “You cannot have peace without giving basic human rights to people.”
A special second collection was also collected at all weekend Masses, which will be used to assist in the urgent medical needs of Iraq. This effort was joined by the Chaldean Churches in the diocese of San Diego as well as the Chaldean diocese in Canada, in their second collection and prayer service.
“We come together to worship God, to ask for his help and his assistance, that we may wakeup whenever there is injustice, and that all those leaders—especially in Iraq—will work towards proclaiming justice based on actions and not just words,” said Bishop Kalabat.
“In everything that we do we bring them up to the Lord, as we proclaim, blessed be the name of Jesus, both now and forever. Amen.”
