Message of His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako to the Chaldeans on the Feast of Saint Thomas, the Apostle

Below you can find the Message of His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Chaldean Patriarch in Iraq and the World, on the Feast of Saint Thomas, the Apostle.

Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako

Patriarch of the Chaldean Church

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

The 3rd of July is the feast of our Patron, Apostle Thomas. It gives me a great pleasure to send you on such an important ecclesiastical occasion heartfelt congratulations, encouraging you to be truthful in adhering to St. Thomas’ faith: “my Lord and my God” (John 20/ 28).

Iraqis have been through painful crises for the past 19 years, without finding “solutions” to their problems. Yet, there is still a hope for “change”, since injustice is “temporary” and does not last. In the meantime, Iraqi Chaldeans need to be patient while keeping in mind Jesus’ words: Courage! It’s me! Don’t be afraid (Matthew 14/ 27); and we all have to work diligently on spiritual renewal, fraternal solidarity, and national commitment to heal our wounds.

Beloved,

No matter how bitter the “suffering” is, be inspired by the love, faith and hope of your ancestors believing that the Lord will never abandon you. It is enough to know that you share with them the authenticity of faith; Gospel message; and the “splendor” of saints and martyrs of the Chaldean Church in the past and present. However, the way leads to a bright future is long and hard, but many countries have experienced conflicts and wars, are enjoying today peace and prosperity.

On the other hand, the world today is moving rapidly from classical traditions and practices to modernity. However, the precious Chaldean heritage can be reflected with vitality wherever Chaldeans are, and mutually accept with the same energy good things of the society that embraces you. This is what we have done in the Church during the past nine years, by renewing: liturgy, approaches of catechism and pastoral work. Overall, Chaldeans are descendants of an ancient civilization and are children of one of the oldest Churches in the world. So, it is not appropriate for them to be helpless, pessimistic and frustrated, or be drawn into the “thought” of hatred.

I will grab this opportunity to call upon Christians to stop selling their homes and properties in order to prevent demographic change in Nineveh Plain, following the example of Alqoosh town that has been protected by its people.

Therefore, I encourage you to collaborate with your citizens in building a modern state, in which the law “rules”, securing equal rights for every citizen, regardless of religious, social or political affiliation. While, you work to establish peace, stability and achieve justice, you contribute to promote dignity and freedom for all.

A reminder to be grateful for your mother Church, for its’ achievement during and after ISIS crisis. The Chaldean Church was, and still is your voice at home and abroad (international and ecclesiastical forums). Also, don’t forget to thank God for Pope Francis’ historic visit to Iraq, for his prayers and continuous support.

Whoever chose to keep criticizing the Church and been addicted to this act, excludes himself from its community, by not seeing the truth and being devoid of loyalty and gratitude, unlike the one who chose objective / constructive criticism. Saint John Chrysostom said “Do not be separated from the Church in which your salvation is”…

This message was originally published on the Chaldean Patriarchate in Baghdad website. Please click here to read the full text.