September 2007, Vol.4 Issue 28	August 2007, Vol.4 Issue 27 July 2007, Vol.4, Issue 26 June 2007, Vol.4, Issue 25 May 2007, Vol.4, Issue 24	April 2007, Vol. 4, Issue 23 March 2007, Vol. 4, Issue 22 February 2007, Vol. 4, Issue 21 January 2007, Vol. 4, Issue 20

 

Lent is Coming! Let us Join the Lord

A Call to Spiritual Conquest

 

While the Supplication of the Ninevites, or Ba’utha, is perceived by the Fathers of the Church of the East as a spiritual struggle to obtain the forgiving mercy of God, Lent or Sawma is conceived as a marathon of exercise for spiritual renewal; it is proposed, indeed, as the golden opportunity for a warrior to pursue an ambitious conquest.

The communal character of Lent: In the Chaldean Rite, Lent is not only a private program or a personal discipline for repentance, but, as well, a battlefield where the people of God, as one body, face the devil and his forces. Jesus is the chief captain of his people, leading his followers, by his example and his grace, to victory against the insidious temptations of Satan. The followings are the major fronts of the spiritual arena:

1. The temptation of physical desires: In a world and age that promotes physical pleasures at the expense of spiritual needs, Lent is the season for remembering that the Kingdom of God must be given clear priority in our pursuit of happiness.

2. The temptation of selfishness and personal pride: As creatures, each one of us has been assigned a role in this world; therefore, we must “discover” our call, and fulfill it humbly and obediently. It is preposterous to try to impose on God a role that we desire in our pride.

3. The temptation of using evil for worldly achievements and glories: A good conscience is a well prepared abode for the dwelling of God; the instance we accept to play the games of the devil, using his tools and devises for our promotion, we become his servants and slaves.

Therefore, the Mesopotamian Church has devised a devotional system that provides the faithful with a variety of spiritual arsenal, which are needed in the prospected battles of temptation, among them:

1. Fasting and Abstinence from food and drink: While a personal regime of abstinence is beneficial and recommended, the communal character of the “Sawma Rabba” must be observed, that is in regard to specific days and food. Fridays, as the memorial of the crucifixion, are high points of connection with the passion of the Lord. Abstinence from meat, drinks, and worldly festivities should be observed for the same reference point.

2. Special Lenten Liturgy: the Chaldean Rite designed a special format of liturgy for Lent called “D-Maggahay” i.e. Liturgy of Early Evening, that comprises: evening prayer, readings from Scriptures, and Eucharistic Communion.

3. The Way of the Cross: Though a devotion of Western origin, it became quite popular among our faithful and has been incorporated in our penitential devotions.

As indicated in the Holy Gospel (Mt 17,21 & Mc 9,29): Prayer and fasting are our means to chase the devil out of our life. Nevertheless, spiritual healing and renewal must express itself in concrete acts of charity, without which our devotions cannot be complete or fruitful.

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Youth Group Retreat

 

            On January 14th & 15th, 40 members of the Breath of Life Youth Group from St. Peter Chaldean Chatholic Cathedral in El Cajon, CA, attended an overnight retreat at the San Luis Rey Mission in Oceanside, California. 

The youth dedicated themselves to finding "Resolution with God," and opening their hearts to the Lord.   Through silent prayer, confession, and various religious activities, the youth allowed their relationship with God to grow as they ventured on a spiritual journey.  They were taken away from their daily lives without technological items such as cell phones and watches, to help isolate themselves from the rest of the world, and focus on their relationship with God.  

The youth attended a mass celebrated by Father Andrew, as well as participate in the mission's day of silence, where talking was prohibited outside of any building.  The retreat was an opportunity for the youth to start off their new year in the right direction, closer to the church as well as with each other.

 

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St. Paul’s New Parish Council

This year, for the first time in the history of St. Paul Assyrian Chaldean Catholic Church, the new parish council is a combination of older and younger generations.  The new ideas of the youth (younger generation) combined with the experience of the older members makes this new council unique and exceptional.  As it was noted by His Excellency Mar Sarhad Yawsip Jammo the new council brings hope, promising ideas and new projects to our Church. 

The new members are listed below:

Aiden Khachi   President

Melissa Tomikeh   Vice President

Members: Angel Khodabakhsh,   Bianca Golpashin,. Sargon Yadegar ,   Edward Panoussi, Kaldia Nazaradan,.  Donna Panussi, .  Fabiola  Thomassi, Benhur Ablakhad, Banipal Ablakhad,. Sargis Tomeh, , Amanoail Youkhana, Damis christophy

Fr. Noel Gorgis

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Bishop’s Visit to St. Paul Church

During his visit to St. Paul Assyrian Chaldean Church, His Excellency, Mar Sarhad Yawsip Jammo gave a lecture on Saturday, January 20, 2007 to the Deacons and Choir members of St. Paul’s Parish for the occasion of the Feast of St. Paul the Apostle. The following Sunday, and after the Bishop celebrated Mass, the community gathered for Dukhrana of St. Paul.

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Ba'utha at St. George Chaldean Catholic Monastery
 in Riverside, CA

On January 30th, 2007, Fr. Anderaws Toma from St. George parish, announced to have Ba'utha prayers and Mass at St. George Chaldean Monastery.  In deed, many individuals came from different areas surrounding the City of Perris, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Temecula and Moreno Valley.

Fr. Anderaws offered the Mass for the peace in Iraq, for all the generous people who help the church in different ways, especially the people who helped to have this existing monastery, for our loved ones who departed this earth, and for all the sick. 

 Afterwards, Fr. Anderaws blessed the meal and the group had a very nice gathering.

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Chaldean Food Festival

Chaldean Food Festival

On Friday, January 19, 2007, St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Diocese in El Cajon, CA, celebrated the Chaldean Food Festival organized by the Mar Toma Knights of Columbus Council. Over a thousand people attended with smiles on their faces and enjoyed the delicious world of Chaldean and Middle Eastern food. Beside the food booths, the festival contained many vendor booths and had items for sale such as jewelry, formal wear dresses, floral designs, books, religious supplies, auto insurance, Real Estate, 24 Hour Fitness, professional photography, etc. The proceeds will go towards the foundation of the Chaldean Media Center Television Studio.

There were a lot of nice comments about the event, especially from the Chaldean youth who brought their American friends and introduced them to our food, culture and traditions.

Renee Alkatib, a 12 years old Chaldean girl, wrote the following to share her feelings about the event:

The Chaldean Food Festival was a blast! Everyone I knew was having fun (which was a lot of people). Me, my friends, and my family were (mostly) all there, and thought the ten dollars (that we paid) was totally worth it. I didn’t see anyone there who wasn’t laughing or smiling every second. No one at all was bored. Although the Chaldeans had lots of fun, the people who had the most fun were the Americans. I even invited a group of my American friends. They had a blast, and loved trying all the new foods, especially the desserts (yum). All of the girls, of course, were into the jewelry the most. There was just so much! There were also many priests at the food festival that I couldn’t count with my fingers anymore. Did I forget to mention the dancing? How silly of me! A bunch of kids were all dancing when the DJ put on English songs. There were even more adults dancing to Chaldean songs. That’s not all! The most exciting and surprising part is when we saw a guy from the TV show Beauty and the Geek! Me, my friends, and my family went up to him and talked to him for a little while. We even got his autograph. I think this is the most exciting day the church has ever had. We should do it another time. But wait, I forgot to tell you that even my teacher was at the Food Festival! It was an awesome day!

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  Feb 03, 2006

مع الف سلامة... Goodbye  Fr. Felix Have a safe trip and good luck with your studies in Rome.     We will miss you!     في تمام الساعة الثانية والنصف من ظهر يوم الخميس 2  شباط 2007 ودعنا اخونا الأب فيليكس الشابي مغادراً الى روما للتحضير لدراسة الدكتوراة لمدة 5 أشهر. كان لأبينا فيليكس مركزه المميز في ادارة المركز الاعلامي الكلداني في سان دييگو. حيث انطبع أثر اعماله وارشاداته ومشاركاته في اذهاننا وقلوبنا.. اخوية فرسان كولومبس وباقي الاخويات والجماعة صغاراً وكباراً يرفعون الى اللـه ومريم العذراء صلواتهم من اجل ان تكون سفرته جيدة ودراسته موفقة ويرجع الينا ثانية بالسلامة. مع امنيات متميزة من هيئة المركز الاعلامي الكلداني بالخير والنجاح.

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مع السلامة... للأخ رائد جورج

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NEWS and EVENTS of the PARISHES

ST. PETER CHALDEAN CATHEDRAL, EL CAJON, CA

Congratulations to our brothers & sisters who have received the crown of Holy Matrimony: Wael Jajo & Sandra Uribe, Nasier Rzok & Maha Alyadako, Raed Toma & Sonia Kazkorkis, Sinan Alkatib & Diana Saeed, Fadi Zora & Giyan Mousa, Nabeel Tawfiq & Faiza Issa, Kevin Ballo & Noor Zaraga, Hashem Gado & Luma Kakos, and Zaid Hanna & Sada Kiryakos.

With deep sympathy the following members of our community of faith passed away to the heavenly glory:
Jamil Esshaki and Edward Barka.

ST. MICHAEL CHALDEAN CHURCH, EL CAJON, CA

Welcome Christian fellows through Holy Baptism and Confirmation:

Matthew Alkas, Jaden Jajou, Wilson Dally, Jason Chamoun, Aiden Jabro, Austin Raffo, Jiovani Odeesh, Lara Al Sanaty, Loveyanna Makou, Mirna Nisan, Mia Fishbaugh, Angelina Isho, Christopher Raffo, Sophia Simaan, and Sharlise Suliman.

With deep sympathy the following members of our community of faith passed away to the heavenly

 glory: Sabah Nona.

ST. PAUL ASSYRIAN CHALDEAN CHURCH, NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA

Welcome Christian fellows through Holy Baptism and Confirmation:

Tristan Khachi.

ST. GEORGE CHALDEAN CHURCH, SANTA ANA, CA

Welcome Christian fellows through Holy Baptism and Confirmation:

Vincent Hanna.

MAR AURAHA CHALDEAN CHURCH, SCOTTSDALE, AZ

Welcome Christian fellows through Holy Baptism and Confirmation:

Phillip Cook, Sabri Patros, Elianya Jajo, Angelina Jamil, and Lucia Nissan.

With deep sympathy the following members of our community of faith passed away to the heavenly glory:

Bassam Khosho and Franky Khosho.

ST. MARY ASSYRIAN CHALDEAN CHURCH, SAN JOSE, CA

Congratulations to our brothers & sisters who have received the crown of Holy Matrimony:

Andrew Grumm.

ST. BARBARA MISSION, LAS VEGAS, NV

Welcome Christian fellows through Holy Baptism and Confirmation:

Melania Yaldo, Emily Boles, Nicolas Hanna, and Marissa Boles.

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Special Announcement to our sponsors

The Chaldean Media Center would like to announce upon the request of our many generous sponsors and community businesses that we are welcoming their advertisements to be published in our monthly Sawra newsletter beginning in January 2007. As you know, we are here to bring you the latest news and events on religious, social as well as educational activities from all the parishes within the Diocese of St. Peter the apostle. We also would like to hear from you, whether it is an article or a comment concerning any issue or an advertisement to reach our community. Contact us by phone: (619) 590-9028, by mail: 1627 Jamacha Way, El Cajon, CA 92019, or email us at:

infokaldu@yahoo.com

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Q & A ON THE REFORMED CHALDEAN MASS

Q – When and how was this Reformed Mass put together?

A – The Reformed Chaldean Mass is the work of a Patriarchal Liturgical Committee begun by the last Patriarch, His Beatitude Raphael I Bidawid of blessed memory, interacting with the whole hierarchy of the Chaldean Church and continued under the patronage of our beloved Patriarch Mar Emmanuel III Delly. The Committee, comprised of experts in the Chaldean Liturgy, worked in cooperation with the Chaldean Synod of bishops for fifteen years before the Text of the Reformed Mass was finalized, approved and presented to the Holy See for official recognition. The most significant dates are as follows:

* November 12, 2005 – the Chaldean Holy Synod in Rome approves the Reformed Missal.

* February 18, 2006 – the Vatican gives the Reformed Missal its official recognition.

* January 6, 2007 – the date given for the beginning of the New Mass by the Chaldean Holy Synod held in Shaqlawa, Iraq on May 9-11, 2006.

Q – Why a new Mass?

A – The Second Vatican Council gives reasons for a Reform of all Catholic Liturgies at the beginning of its first Constitution, Sacrosanctum Concilium:

“…to impart an ever increasing vigor to the Christian life of the faithful; to adapt more suitably to the needs of our own times those institutions which are subject to change; to foster whatever can promote union among all who believe in Christ; to strengthen whatever can help to call the whole of mankind into the household of the Church.”

This Constitution continues, regarding the Eastern Rites: “Lastly, in faithful obedience to tradition, the sacred Council declares that holy Mother Church holds all lawfully acknowledged rites to be of equal right and dignity; that she wishes to preserve them in the future and to foster them in every way. The Council also desires that, where necessary, the rites be revised carefully in the light of sound tradition, and that they be given new vigor to meet the circumstances and needs of modern times.”

It was first of all in response to the call of the Council, then, that the Patriarchal Liturgical Committee of the Chaldean Church was formed and commissioned. In addition to the general call of the Council, there were several particular reasons for its commission:

* First, it was a response to the chaos found in Chaldean churches around the world, where Mass is being said in drastically different ways in different parishes. Because the Liturgy is not the prayer of any individual but of the whole Church together, this situation is contrary to the spirit of unity demanded by Christ for his Church. And so, the Reformed Mass is presented as the way to celebrate Mass in the Chaldean Church, following Christ’s command: “do this in memory of me…”

* Secondly, over the centuries, the Chaldean Mass had been added to and changed in a disorganized and sometimes sloppy way. A Reform was needed to “clean up” what was sloppy while keeping all that was of value. This is especially the case with “Latinizations,” or things added or changed in the Mass simply as an imitation of the Latin Rite, which can be contradictory to the flow and meaning of the Chaldean liturgical structure.

* Thirdly, recent scholarship in liturgy allowed the Committee to further develop the Chaldean Mass into an even more beautiful and meaningful ceremony, closer to the Scriptures and to the Apostles, and therefore to Christ himself.

To be continued

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