London, UK - The Lord's Prayer will be read in Aramaic at a special Mass celebrated by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor at Westminster Cathedral next week in support of Iraqi Christians.

At a time when many of Iraq’s Christians have been forced to flee the volatile situation in their homeland, the Mass at 5:30pm on June 16 will offer an opportunity for bishops and worshippers to come together and stand in solidarity with the country’s Christian community.

In addition to the Lord’s Prayer being read in Aramaic – the language closest to Christ’s dialect – the Gospel will be sung in Arabic. The Mass will also allow people to pray for peace in Iraq and also for Iraqi communities here in England and Wales.

Baghdad, IRAQ – "Violence should not call for more violence! We are on the side of justice, not the death penalty,” Chaldean Bishop Warduni affirmed from Iraq.  "If he were still alive, Archbishop Rahho himself would not permit that someone would die for him.”

Contentions rise high as Chaldeans call on the Iraqi government to spare the life of the man convicted of killing the Archbishop on February, 29 outside of a church.  The Archbishop was leading the Way of the Cross during Lent when Ahmad Ali Ahmad, a ilitant from al-Qaida, led a group to abduct the Archibishop and kill his sub deacons. 

Chaldean Auxiliary Bishop Shlemon Warduni of Baghdad said, "Let us recall that the principles that have always inspired the Church are forgiveness and reconciliation."

Michigan, USA - Hakim Denha, Joseph Haji, Namil Karrumi, Imad Katchel, and Amir Jarjosa were honored for their faithful dedication and service to the Chaldean people.   The newly ordained men stood before the public and proclaimed their commitment to the church and community.  An overflowing crowd with standing room only stood in reverence as the Bishop of the Chaldean Diocese in Michigan presided over the ordination of the deacons.  Alongside the faithful leaders the diocese also inducted new Eucharistic ministers. 

Throughout the history of the Catholic Church, deacons have played a vital role in serving the needs of the community.

Mousul, IRAQ- Pope Benedict made an emotional appeal for an end to violence and massacres in Iraq, as he recalled during Palm Sunday services the death of a kidnapped Chaldean Catholic archbishop.  "His beautiful testimony of faith to Christ, the Church and his people that he did not want to abandon despite numerous threats, pushes me to raise a strong and sorrowful cry: enough with the massacres, enough with the violence, enough with hatred in Iraq!" he said.

Speaking to thousands of pilgrims clutching palm fronds and olive branches -- symbols of peace -- in St. Peter's Square, the Pope called on Iraqis to "raise their heads" and rebuild their nation with reconciliation, forgiveness and justice.

Rahho, 65, was kidnapped during a shootout in which three of his companions were killed, as he returned home after mass in Mosul on February 29.  The killers later telephoned church authorities on Thursday to announce where the archbishop’s body could be found.  The body of the Bishop was recovered from a shallow grave within a garbage dump area further inflaming passions

Along with the Pope the Chaldean Patriarch urged Iraq to resolve peace in their hearts.  Hundreds gathered at the church in the village of Kramleis, just north of Mosul, to memorialize the highest-ranking Christian cleric to be targeted by Islamic fanatics since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq five years ago.  

Chaldeans in Europe and America have long appreciated the Universal Church customs and Rites.  The unique cultural display of each community incorporated around the teachings brought forth for two thousand years by the successive apostle of Christ. 

Visitors to different Catholic churches around the world are amazed at the beauty and unique presentation of the liturgy.  Chaldeans living outside their homeland have long been curious of the Western Rite customs and traditions.

For those unfamiliar with the Catholic faith a collection of frequently asked questions help reveal the beauty and meaning of the Lenten celebration. 

This article is the second in a seven series discussion on the attributes of a Chaldean apostle.  A Chaldean apostle is a vigilant and faithful servant willing to accept in their mind and heart that Jesus is their God and savior.  By having such faith the Chaldean apostle’s behavior will naturally change and begin to better reflect the Kingdom of God.  Therefore, this series will examine the attributes of behavior that demonstrate the grace of our Lord and our choice to be a follower of Christ.  

In today’s world being humble can be difficult.  We are tempted and trained to believe that we are the center of the universe.  Evil forces promote the “self” as God, replacing the one true God.  We become vulnerable and lost; once we believe we are meant to be worshiped by other men or women.  We beg for attention and passionately desire to be loved, because we don’t know that God loves us.   Our actions reveal our cry for attention. 

When I was young I wore the latest jeans, twisted my cap, and in every photo had strikingly posed like the latest model or rapper by “throwing up fingers.”  I wanted to be admired. I wanted to be loved. I was so lost, until I learned that we are loved only when we love.  To love I had to first learn to be humble, then I had to learn to give.

A group of Chaldeans, well established in their careers, were talking at a wedding and debating to visit their old priest, who they heard had recently retired.  The cold weather and three hour drive to the rectory caused a debate.  “Not enough time,”  “Too busy with work,”  “He may not remember us or may be too tired or sick to see us,” were some of the excuses.  Until one of them, wisely appealing to his friends vanity and selfishness said, “Are you happy in life?”  Perhaps this visit will do more for us than him.  Plus, we can drive together, catch-up during the ride, and save on gas.  Fortunately we are all successful enough to take the time off.”

The others startled over the comment about concerns with gas cost and able to take time off, quickly objected.  “It is not about the gas or money,” one stammered. 

Baoutha is a three-day celebration that is composed of prayers and fasting. 

This annual observance is limited to the Chaldean Catholic Church and occurs exactly 3 weeks before the start of lent. 

In the 6th century a severe plague inflicted the northern regions of modern day Iraq; the ancient city of Nineveh, modern day Mosul, Iraq. 

Chaldeans love a good wedding.  Even more, Chaldeans love a great marriage.   Sure: a pick of the dress, a smile to the camera, the walk down the aisle, the prayers of matrimony, and the ever-deep line of “I do.” 

Alongside dawning smiling faces are friends, family, and loved ones.  The night hours tuned to the rhythm of music and beat of the feet as the celebration of love and family starts a new chapter.  The couple now joined in Holy Matrimony awaits the joys of love. 

All wrapped in hope to successfully leap over the obstacles that will undoubtedly emerge. But, of course, that is only the beginning of the story; particularly for Chaldeans in America and parts of Europe.